Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon has denied reports that he was assaulted by loanee striker Leigh Griffiths during a training session yesterday afternoon.

Stories had claimed that Griffiths headbutted Fenlon, before going on to punch his assistant manager Billy Brown.

The 21-year-old was expected to return to his parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers in the near future.

However, Fenlon has insisted that the centre-forward remains a "key part" of his plans for the remainder of the season.

"As is usual for high-tempo training sessions, involving committed players and coaching staff, robust views and opinions are shared, and yesterday's session was no different," said Fenlon.

"Leigh is a quality striker, and a lively personality, and will remain a key part of my team for the rest of the season. There's nothing at all in the story."

Griffiths joined Hibs on a loan basis last August.