Benjelloun, Makalambay among five freed by Hibs

Former Falkirk duo Patrick Cregg and Alan Gow are also to leave Easter Road, while defender Darren McCormack – plagued by off-field problems this season – has been freed by the club.

Benjelloun, signed by Tony Mowbray, has been restricted largely to appearances from the bench this season, but the 25-year-old Moroccan international made a significant contribution to the club's history when he scored two goals in the 5-1 CIS Cup final win over Kilmarnock three years ago.

Makalambay was brought to Easter Road by John Collins from Chelsea, but failed to live up to his lofty billing. The Belgian international mixed flashes of brilliance with glaring gaffes, and when manager John Hughes signed two goalkeepers during the January transfer window it seemed likely his days at Hibs were numbered.

Cregg was reunited with Hughes last summer, having played under him at Falkirk, but despite starting the season in the Hibs midfield, injuries saw him fall down the pecking order and he was limited to only a handful of starts.

Gow joined Hibs on loan from Plymouth in January and will return to the relegated south coast club after an injury-hit spell in Edinburgh.

McCormack's release is perhaps the most surprising. The 21-year-old looked destined for a bright future at the club, but was dogged by off-field problems this season and has been told by Hughes his contract will not be renewed.