NEIL Lennon revealed Hibernian came ‘very close’ to securing a deadline day loan move for Blackburn Rovers striker Anthony Stokes.

The Scottish Championship side were one of a number of clubs linked with a move for Stokes on Tuesday before the January transfer window closed.

Rovers boss Owen Coyle said Rovers had received a number of enquiries for the striker who hasn’t started a first-team game since August.

Hibs were one of the clubs understood to be interested, and boss Lennon, who was manager of Stokes during their time at Celtic, revealed a move almost came off.

“How close were we with Stokesy? Very close. I don’t think I am talking out of turn when I say that,” Lennon told the Daily Record.

“I was here on Tuesday night and, to be fair to the club, they did everything they could to try to get the deal done.

“There is certainly no blame to be apportioned to anyone on our side. He’s back at Blackburn now.

“However, it didn’t happen and we go as we are. We have brought in Chris Humphrey, we have brought in Scott Gallacher - and no one has gone out. Thankfully it is over and the window is shut.

“I’m happy, I have a good squad here that has taken us to an eight-point lead. You always look to strengthen if you can - and we tried to do that - but it’s not always possible and we go with what we’ve got.”

Stokes, who was handed a two-year suspended sentence for assault on Wednesday following an incident in 2013, has also this week been linked with a move to Polish league leaders Jagiellonia Bialystok.