Hibs land Old Trafford youngster Galbraith

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 22:52

HIBERNIAN have signed former Hearts youngster Danny Galbraith from Manchester United, but have been told to forget about trying to sign Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes on loan.

Left-winger Galbraith has signed a two-year deal on the day that Alan O'Brien's contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

Galashiels-born Galbraith, 19, signed for United on his 16th birthday and has represented Scotland at several age levels.

He told Hibs' official website: "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 the successful Hibernian under-19 side."

Hibs manager John Hughes, who lost striker Steven Fletcher to Burnley on Tuesday, said: "Daniel arrives at Hibernian with a great attitude and the best of his career ahead of him. He was unlucky with injuries at Manchester United, but is very young with good energy about the park. He has his whole career ahead of him and has shown he can play a variety of positions on the left-hand side."

Hughes had Stokes on loan when he was manager of Falkirk and the player was a huge success, scoring 16 goals in 18 appearances.

But Sunderland are only interested in a permanent deal for the 20-year-old, who has not been able to establish himself at the Stadium of Light.

The Republic of Ireland international arrived at Sunderland in a 2 million switch from Arsenal in January 2007, and the club will be looking to recoup much of that fee if Stokes was to move on. Celtic were interested in signing the player after his loan spell with Falkirk, and it is expected that Hibs would not be willing to enter an auction for the player's services.