Hibs are hoping to have Aiden McGeady on board when they they head to Portugal for their pre-season training camp on Sunday. Record Sport understands the Easter Road club are pushing to get a deal for the Ireland international over the line this weekend to make the veteran winger Lee Johnson’s latest summer recruit.
McGeady is set to have a medical and barring any glitches will team up again with his former boss after his contract ran out at Sunderland. Johnson believes the 36-year-old can provide the magic to unlock defences which was badly missing in the second half of last season as Hibs finished a miserable eighth.
McGeady could form part of a new-look Hibs frontline including fellow winger Jair Tavares who arrived from Benfica B last week and striker Momodou Bojang who has joined on loan from Rainbow FC. The 93-times capped former Ireland ace adds huge experience after six years with Celtic, four years in Russia with Spartak Moscow, three years at Everton and the last five years at Sunderland.
Last week Johnson admitted his interest in the veteran who was a regular under his charge at Sunderland. He said: “I have got a strong relationship with Aiden.
“He is 36 so whether it’s us or anyone else he has nothing to prove, but a lot to prove as well. He is a maverick, he is a challenging but inspiring character to have in your squad.”
So far Johnson has added David Marshall, Nohan Kenneh, Momodou Bojang, Rocky Bushiri, Lewis Miller, Jair Tavares, Kyle McClelland (Rangers) to his squad.
But back-up goalkeeper David Mitchell on Wednesday became the third player to depart Easter Road in 24 hours, following hot on the heels of Matt Macey and Paul McGinn as Johnson continues to streamline his squad.
Meanwhile veteran defender Darren McGregor has taken a step back from first team duties after accepting a new player-coach role with the club’s development team.
The 36-year-old former Rangers and St Mirren ace captained the team on the final day of the season in a 4-0 rout of St Johnstone at Easter Road.
But he admitted after that game he knew his time was coming to an end after 188 top team appearances for his boyhood club.
Now he will work alongside Academy Director Steve Kean and Gareth Evans with the development side.
And McGregor said: “At the end of last season I was lucky enough to have that unforgettable game where I was able to captain the team to a 4-0 win with my kids beside me as mascots.
“I think after that game I knew my playing time would be very limited next season. Steve Kean spoke to me shortly afterwards and proposed the idea that I could help out with the Development Squad in a mentor/coaching and playing capacity.
“I feel it is a great opportunity for me as it can allow me to continue playing whilst also developing my coaching experience under the mentorship of Steve and Gareth.
“I have said many times before that if I am not able to play for Hibs, then the next best thing is to be able to help develop the younger guys.
“Going forward it is a new chapter in my life and I am excited to play a part in the development of these younger guys both on and off the field.”
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