Mixu snares Johansson for Hibs at third attempt

HIBS boss Mixu Paatelainen today revealed how it was a case of third-time lucky after snapping up Finnish internationalist Jonatan Johansson.

The former Rangers star told Paatelainen almost a year ago he'd jump at the chance to come to Easter Road, only to have his path blocked twice by his Swedish side Malmo.

Paatelainen's persistence paid off, however, as Hibs revealed 33-year-old Johansson had signed a pre-contract agreement which will see him join the club on January 1.

And Johansson could face a baptism of fire with the second Edinburgh derby of the season due to take place at Tynecastle two days later.

Today, Paatelainen insisted Johansson's experience – he's expected to make his 92nd appearance for Finland in a friendly against Switzerland next week – will prove a vital asset over the 18 months of a contract which will run until
the summer of 2010.

He said: "I first spoke to JJ almost a year ago and he showed interest straight away, it wasn't a case of 'leave it with me and I'll consider it'. We tried to get him during the January transfer window and again in the summer but on both occasions, unfortunately, it was not possible as Malmo were not willing to let him go.

"He was their top striker and they felt they needed him."

Paatelainen swooped immediately after the Swedish season came to an end and Johansson became a free agent, although he won't be able to play for Hibs until the transfer window opens again in January.

Between now and then, Johansson will take a short holiday with his Scottish wife after next week's international and begin working with his new team-mates at Hibs' state-of-the-art training centre, which has already impressed the flying Finn.

Paatelainen said: "JJ is desperate to get started but there's no point being frustrated at him not being able to play for us right away. That's the way the rules are and we have to abide by them."

The Hibs boss, though, believes Johansson will quickly become as firm a favourite with the Easter Road fans as he was with Rangers and then Charlton Athletic.

He said: "JJ will give us a good balance on the right side although he can play various positions. He'll give us options, people think of him as an out-and-out striker but he is not, he's a midfielder who likes to come from deep areas although he can also play up front. I also think we need more experience as I think recent weeks have shown we are lacking in that a bit, the leadership the know-how to handle tricky situations. JJ is also a model pro who will be a tremendous example to the youngsters.

"He's still very fit because he's looked after himself. I last saw him play for Finland against Germany when he scored a fantastic goal in a 3-3 draw."

Johansson's arrival will strengthen Hibs' already impressive attacking options but Paatelainen immediately shot down the suggestion he was bringing in a replacement for Scotland striker Steven Fletcher, who has been the subject of much transfer speculation. He said: "I believe JJ's experience can only help our younger players develop and, in any case, he's more of a wide player, a position I don't see Steven playing in." Hibs were given a boost when Fletcher, who missed the defeat by Dundee United through injury, completed a full training session yesterday.

Should there be no ill effects felt today, he'll join the squad for the visit of Aberdeen tomorrow along with skipper Rob Jones who missed the trip to Tannadice for family reasons.