Neil Lennon makes 'very firm offer' to take Anthony Stokes back to Hibernian

Neil Lennon has extended a ''very firm offer'' to Anthony Stokes as he seeks to strengthen his Hibernian squad.

Stokes, who was a Scottish Cup winner with Hibs a year ago, has been freed by recently-relegated Blackburn and Lennon says the ball is in the striker's court.

It comes as Lithuanian midfielder Vykintas Slivka is due in Edinburgh on Saturday for talks over a move from Italian giants Juventus.

Slivka had loan spells with Ascoli and Dutch side Den Bosch last season and Lennon is keen to add bodies before the start of the season.

''We've made an offer to the player (Stokes) so it's in the hands of the player and his representatives,'' he said.

''We made a very firm offer and we'll see where we go with that.

The Lithuanian is coming in for talks.''

Lennon has remained in touch with Kris Commons over the summer and has offered him training facilities, but does not expect to see him for a couple of months due to back surgery.

Hibs played out a 0-0 Betfred Cup tie with Ross County on Friday night, with the Staggies triumphing 4-3 on a penalty shoot-out.

''It was outstanding, the first half in particular. I got everything out of the game I wanted, put it that way,'' added Lennon.

''It was a dominant performance without the final touch.''

County goalkeeper Scott Fox was called into action late on to smother a Martin Boyle shot and Darren McGregor hit the crossbar in stoppage time.

''When we had to defend our back four were excellent, getting blocks in,'' said County boss Jim McIntyre.

We showed a good response in the second half. Hibs starting well spooked us a bit and we have to do better, but credit to the players.

That's three games in six days for us and Hibs have been rested.'