Want the latest Scottish sport news sent straight to your inbox? Join thousands of others who have signed up to our Record Sport newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Neil Lennon clammed up about Anthony Stokes’ Hibs future as the troubled striker edged closer to an Easter Road exit.

The Irishman has been frozen out by boss Neil Lennon after his patience finally snapped when a string of disciplinary breaches came to a head.

Charlton are understood to lead the race, ahead of interest from Poland, to offer the Stokes an escape route. The 29-year-old, Danny Swanson and Martin Boyle were banished from training during Hibs’ winter camp in Portugal for breaching a curfew.

But now it appears Lennon – who admitted during his time as Celtic boss Stokes had been “walking on very thin ice” – has given up trying to reform his wayward hitman.

(Image: SNS Group)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Yesterday Lennon refused to answer questions about the situation and wouldn’t confirm if the Irishman would be left out of the squad for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup tie against Hearts.

But Record Sport understands he has to stay tight-lipped for legal reasons while the club go through disciplinary procedures and prepare to offload Stokes during this transfer window.

As Hibs bid to grab a third Cup victory in as many years over their rivals, Lennon put pressure on referee Kevin Clancy – reminding him of when officials failed to give Oli Shaw’s goal last month when his shot clearly crossed the line.

Asked how the referee can put his stamp on the match, Lennon said: “He could give a goal if it’s a goal! That would help for a start.

“Oli is owed one. Maybe he’ll have a bit of injustice burning inside him to make things right.”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now