HIBERNIAN manager John Hughes has bolstered his squad further by signing midfielder Kevin McBride. The 28-year-old becomes the latest former Falkirk player to join forces with his old manager at Easter Road following the capture of Patrick Cregg.
Hughes believes Hibs fans will see the best of a player who made more than 50 appearances for Falkirk before becoming a free agent in the summer.
He said: "Kevin is enthusiastic, always available for training and games and still has his best year
s ahead of him. He's one of the bravest boys on the ball, and is not to be messed with on the park. He had a good grounding at Celtic as a youth, and his ability to link defence to midfield is second to none. He's straight into training today and looking forward to pre-season."
McBride began his career at Parkhead and had spells at Motherwell and Darlington before returning to Scotland to join Hughes at Falkirk in January 2008. He is now relishing the opportunity to work under his former boss once again.
He told the club's official website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk: "I have always been a great admirer of the way Hibernian aim to play the game and I can't wait to get started as a Hibernian player.
"The manager has certainly never hidden his own high regard for this club. Now I'm just delighted to be here – I've already had a look at the training facilities and they are absolutely amazing."
Meanwhile, released winger Alan O'Brien last night insisted he bears no hard feelings towards Hughes after revealing his Easter Road exit was sealed months ago.
The left-sided 24-year-old had the last year of his contract terminated by mutual consent on Wednesday after failing to make the impact hoped for under ex-managers John Collins and Mixu Paatelainen. O'Brien – signed from Newcastle in 2007 – is thought to already be in talks with Swindon Town.
O'Brien said: "This was sorted before John came in. My mind was made up before we came back. It was nothing to do with him. I wanted to go. It's been on-going for a couple of months now and we managed to sort out an agreement between me and the club."
"I thought long and hard about trying to prove myself to a new manager but I made my decision. I've seen John briefly as I've been in training to keep my fitness up but I felt I'd be better off away. A few other things came into my decision as well. I think it's suited the club, too, letting them bring in other players."
Hughes has quickly signed midfield duo Cregg and McBride and Manchester United youngster Daniel Galbraith, who plays on the left.
O'Brien feels he won't be missed and the Dubliner added: "Even when I played at Hibs I felt I didn't play as well as I can. I've not proved myself up here. It was like a roller-coaster for me, up and down. I just felt it was time for me to move on. I'd love to go back down to England. I think the style there suits me better."
