Neil Lennon has backed Scott Allan after the Hibs midfielder made public his recent diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The heart condition was a contributory factor in the death of former Celtic and Motherwell midfield Phil O’Donnell and Cameroon internationalist Marc-Vivien Foe.

Allan has recently returned to playing with Lennon fully supportive of his former player whose paths crossed at Easter Road.

“I was aware of that a few months ago,” said Lennon. “It’s obviously something that’s very alarming. He’s a great kid and a great player. His health comes first and I hope he comes through this, he’s managed and looked after the right way by medical people wherever he plays.

“But it’s very shocking and of great concern to me personally because I worked with him and I know what a good lad he is.


“It’s very, very tough. I had him for four or five months at Hibs and he was fantastic. He was a brilliant player for me and I really enjoyed working with him.

“He loves his football, he’s another player who has a great appetite for the game and is easy to manage. I’m in contact with him now and again, I’m very close to him and you want him to be healthy and well going forward.”