John Hughes believes he can persuade Steven Fletcher and Rob Jones to stay at Hibernian.
New boss Hughes faces a fight to keep hold of his two best players with Scotland striker Fletcher this week urging Celtic to resurrect their interest in him, while speculation is rife captain Jones is set to return to England.
But Hughes confidently declared: "I think Steven Fletcher will want to work with John Hughes. I might be wrong on that."
He added: "But he's under contract so what he needs to do is come back here, knuckle down and go and enjoy himself and score goals.
"I'll sit down with big Rob as well. I know he's possibly wanting to go back down south for family commitments.
"If that is the case, you have to respect that, but why can't John Hughes inspire him as well and get him to sign another year's contract?"
Hughes also insisted there was a future at the club for Moroccan pair Merouane Zemmama and Abdessalam Benjelloun.
Zemmama was given permission to join UAE club Al-Shaab on a season-long loan in September after his pregnant wife was refused permission to enter the UK, while Benjelloun was farmed out to two Belgian clubs last season after falling out of favour with Mixu Paatelainen.
Hughes said of the pair: "When I heard the news that they could be coming back here, that brought a smile to my face. Because, when they're at it, they excite people, they excite me."
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I think Fletcher is a great player but a very greedy one he only wants to go to celtic for the money I hope he goes and ends up like deek did as he is a far better player than fletcher and still found it hard to get a game for Celtic and no doubt in a couple of seasons will come back to Easter road tail tucked firmly between the legs I think he should go down south and truely better himself I am sure there is not a TRUE hibs fan out there who would not love to see hime make a name for himself down there he has the raw talent to do so he just needs to play against some of the best teams the world has to offer and most of them can be found in England I am sad to say, I would love it if Rob Jones was to stay but I cant argue his reasons for wanting to go Family should come first and if he does go I would like to wish him and his Family the very very best he has been a great player and role model for the club a true professional in every sense of the word I think with a player like him at their desposel Celtic would have won the title no offense to the rangers fans you already have a fantastic defense it has to be said but I feel celtic lack there
Anaway come big YOGI
I've thought for quite a while that Gary O'Conner would be a good buy for Celtic - He's pacey and strong and would complement wee Skippy better...Don't think Fletch is strong enough. We should allow Hibs and Dundee United to keep their better players anyway to make it tougher for the Uruk Hai... Big Rob Jones single handedly denied them in numerous games. Besides, with no manager in place yet it's all single fishing in the wind who is going to Celtic...
would love o see yogi keep jones as for fletch i would gladly let him go for £3.5 m and glaD HE WOULD GO TO CELIC RATHER THAN POXY HUNS but hey the huns culdnt afford him
As for Yogi wanting to keep Fletch and Jones, I can understand this, but if Fletch wants to come to celtic, who are we to change his mind!! Mon ra Hoops!!
1 - AND????... Oh, you have NOTHING TO SAY regarding this message board? Well, I can only conclude that you are a WINDAE-LICKER!! You're not related to PAUL G, by any chance?
1st wooooo hooooo
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