PAT FENLON is ready to nurse Tom Soares through training because he thinks the injury-hit midfielder has a key role to play in Hibs’ fight for survival.

The Easter Road boss hailed Soares for the superb double that inspired Hibees to the 3-1 win at Kilmarnock and hauled them off the foot of the SPL.

Now Fenlon is determined to keep the former England Under-21 internationalist fit after finding his progress stalled by injury niggles since joining on loan from Stoke City last month.

He said: “We tried to mix it up with three games in six days and Tom was fantastic. His first finish was great and his general play was good.

“He rarely gives the ball away and knows where he needs to be on the park. He’s going to be a good addition but we need to keep him fit.”

Another loan star, Roy O’Donovan, also made an impact with a spectacular goal in the win.

Fenlon said: “I was delighted for Roy. We just need to grow his confidence and he can score all types of goals.”