Hibs boss denies Leigh Griffiths assault claims

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon today insisted Leigh Griffiths will be in his squad for Saturday’s crunch SPL clash with Dundee United after denying claims he’d been head-butted by the Scotland Under-21 striker.

Fenlon slammed a report in a morning paper that Griffiths had not only assaulted him but punched his assistant Billy Brown at the club’s East Mains Training Centre, describing the story as “rubbish.”

The Easter Road boss said: “Yesterday was typical training ground stuff, and I’m surprised at the rubbish in the press today. As is usual for high-tempo training sessions, involving committed players and coaching staff, robust views and opinions are shared, and yesterday’s session was no different.

“Leigh is a quality striker, and a lively personality, and will remain a key part of my team for the rest of the season. There’s nothing at all in the story. We just want to focus on winning games and getting up the table.”

The statement issued by the club ended: “Hibernian will not tolerate, nor be distracted by, unverified and irresponsible ‘reporting’ in the media.”