Hughes signs McBride from former club

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 boss 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 the Bairns before becoming a free agent in the summer.

He said: "Kevin is enthusiastic, always available for training and games and still has his best years 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 at the Leith club.

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."