HIBS boss John Hughes today made his third signing in just four days as midfielder Kevin McBride became the second former Falkirk star to sign on at Easter Road.
The 28-year-old joined former team-mate Patrick Cregg and Manchester United youngster Daniel Galbraith as Hughes' squad reported back for pre- season training this morning.
But heading for the exit door was Republic of Ireland winger Alan O'Brien
who has had his contract terminated by mutual agreement, the ex-Newcastle United winger having failed to make the anticipated impact in a green and white jersey under previous managers John Collins and Mixu Paatelainen.
McBride began his career at Celtic before joining Motherwell after a period on loan with the Fir Park club, making 57 appearances for the Steelmen. He had a short time at Darlington before returning to Scotland to sign for Hughes at Falkirk.
He played more than 50 times for the Bairns before becoming a free agent following the Homecoming Scottish Cup final in May.
McBride said: "I have always been a great admirer of the way Hibs aim to play the game and I can't wait to get started. The manager has certainly never hidden his own high regard for this club, now I am just delighted to be here."
Hughes, who has had Brian Rice confirmed as his assistant at Easter Road, said: "Kevin still has his best years ahead of him. He's one of the bravest boys on the ball and is not to be messed about 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."
Galashiels-born Galbraith began his career with Hearts before signing for Manchester United on his 16th birthday in August 2006 and has been selected for Scotland at every level.
After signing a two-year contract, the left-sided winger who can also play central midfield, said: "I'm delighted to be returning to Scotland and in particular Hibs. I really enjoyed my time at Manchester United but the time was right for me to seek a new challenge with first-team football my main aim.
"I know that will be a tough task in itself as there are a lot of quality players in my age group stepping up from Hibs' Under-19 side, but I've never shied away from a challenge in my career."
Hughes added: "Daniel was unlucky with injuries at Manchester United but he is very young with good energy. He has his whole career ahead of him and has shown he can play a variety of positions on the left-hand side.
"I'm really looking forward to working with him as he will provide great competition for places and I'm sure we're going to get the best out of him."
But, while Hughes was successful in luring McBride and Galbraith to Easter Road, the Hibs manager was reported to have missed out on Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes, the former Arsenal youngster whom he had on loan at Falkirk with great success. Sixteen goals in 18 games for Falkirk persuaded Sunderland to splash out £2million to the Gunners two-and-a-half years ago but he has been unable to establish himself at the Stadium of Light.
Hughes had been hoping to tempt Stokes back to Scotland on loan again but Sunderland are understood to be looking for a permanent deal to recoup some of their outlay.
The full article contains 596 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
