IT'S BRILL TO HAVE THE SKIPPER BARK

O'Hora glad to have tough Joe in the fold

- BY WARREN O'HORA

WARREN O'HORA watched Joe Newell put the Hibs players first when he was going through his own injury nightmare.

So the Irishman is delighted their captain is back helping on the pitch even if it means getting the hairdryer treatment from the Easter Road talisman.

Newell made his first appearances since December 29 last year with a sub outing in last weekend's defeat to Celtic after being plagued by groin issues.

The 32-year-old missed Hibs' stunning revival last season as they put together a 17-game unbeaten run and also sat out their memorable European campaign at the start of this term.

But O'Hora insists the fact Newell refused to wallow in self-pity sums up what kind of man he is. The defender said: "It's brilliant to have Joe back, it's been a while!

"The reaction from the fans and players when he came on the pitch was obviously a very good one for him.