Hibs boss poised to take up option to buy Florian Kamberi

Hat-trick hero Florian Kamberi celebrates scoring for Hibs against Hamilton

Lennon admitted he was taking something of a gamble when he decided to take the 22-year-old on loan from Grasshoppers Zurich during the January transfer window but has been delighted with his performances.

Kamberi hauled Hibs level against Hamilton after Marios Ogkmpoe had taken advantage of a blunder by goalkeeper Ofir Marciano to fire Accies into an early lead before scoring twice more in the second half to seal a 3-1 win which extends the Capital club’s unbeaten run to eight matches.

Lennon said: “Flo’s all-round game was superb. His first goal was magnificent. We needed a quick response and I thought we were very comfortable second half so I am very happy.

“His work-rate is phenomenal, he has good pace. No question he has made us better.”

Lennon believes his patience has paid off in landing Kamberi having been looking for a big striker since Grant Holt left at the end of the season, the 22-year-old impressing enough during a trial period to earn a short-term deal.

He said: “The longer the trial period went on, the better he got. We thought we could work with this kid, at 22 he is only going to get better, I think. If you look at his goal record it’s not great but the way he brings people into the game, even in training, is great.

“We liked his mobility, his touch and his attitude. You worry that might last a week but there’s an honesty about him – he’s kept the standards very high.”

Kamberi also hit the post before scoring his first goal while Lennon admitted to being “not overly impressed” at a couple of attempted overhead kicks but added: “He’s desperate to do well and is showing up well at the minute.”

Asked about Kamberi’s longer-term future, Lennon revealed: “We have an option to buy so that’s something obviously we’ll be considering over the next few weeks.

“He is really enjoying life here and that manifests itself in his performances.”

Accies boss Martin Canning felt Dougie Imrie’s 61st-minute sending-off was the pivotal moment in game, claiming there had been nothing between the sides up to that point.

Adamant the second yellow shown to his player was harsh, he said: “At eleven v eleven we were very much in the game but to go down to ten men and then concede very quickly you know it’s going to be difficult to get something from it.”