Mixu ready to let Donaldson go as he aims to strengthen

HIBS boss Mixu Paatelainen today admitted for the first time he's willing to listen to offers for out-of-favour striker Clayton Donaldson.

Signed after a long pursuit by former manager John Collins, Donaldson quickly fell out of the picture following the arrival of Paatelainen and ended last season very much a bit part player.

But a further indication of an apparent lack of a future at Easter Road for a player once rated at £500,000 by his former club York City came when Donaldson didn't make the 19-strong travelling party for today's InterToto Cup tie against IF Elfsborg even although Hibs have a two-goal deficit to overcome here in the Boras Arena.

Donaldson wasn't among the substitutes last weekend and today Paatelainen conceded the hitman was one of those he'll allow to leave as he seeks to strengthen his squad.

Paatelainen has revealed he wants to beef up his strikeforce and has already been linked with a move for Finland internatonalist, Johnathan Johansson, currently with Swedish outfit Malmo.

Donaldson's lack of action in recent months hasn't gone un-noticed with Hartlepool, Darlington and Crewe Alexandra having all been credited with an interest although Paatelainen insisted there's been no concrete offer as yet.

Explaining Donaldson's absence, Paatelainen said: "I had to balance my squad and unfortunately Clayton did not make the trip.

"Until he leaves he is in my plans but I am willing to listen to offers. There's been some interest, but nothing concrete.

"I'm looking to improve the striking department, midfield and defence. There will be another striker coming in but we need to off-load as well."

While Donaldson appears to be living on borrowed time, Paatelainen has used the second leg of the InterToto Cup tie to give teenager Jordan Cropley, son of Hibs legend Alex, the chance to push for a first team place.

Cropley was a surprise member of the squad which trained on the plastic pitch at the Boras Arena last night in preparation for today's match, but Paatelainen insisted he deserved the opportunity.

He said: "Jordan has done really well in pre-seson, shown great application and appetite. This will be a great experience for him but it will be up to him to progress over the course of the season."

Paatelainen gave Cropley a new one-year deal and he has urged the youngster to make the most of it while imploring Hibs fans not to make comparisons between him and his father. He said: "I hope he makes the breakthrough.

"He is a football player, he has plenty of skill and great awareness. He can play midfield but I also think he can play up front, he's a great talent.

"His father is a Hibs legend but people should forget that, they shouldn't make comparisons between the two at all. Alex was a fantastic player but no pressure should be put on Jordan because of who is father is. He should be allowed to make his own name in football."