Caldo close to first deal as Grounds exits Hibs

Colin Calderwood today revealed he's closing in on his first signing for Hibs as Jonathan Grounds became the third player to leave Easter Road in recent weeks.

On-loan defender Grounds has returned to Middlesbrough after 15 matches for Hibs, joining Sol Bamba, who moved to Leicester City as the transfer window opened, and youngster Lee Currie in heading for the exit door.

But while the return of long-term injury victims Merouane Zemmama and Darryl Duffy have added to Calderwood's options up-front, the Hibs boss is keen to begin reshaping the squad he inherited from John Hughes, one which contained 16 players who would be out-of-contract by the end of the season.

Calderwood has admitted to some frustration in making that first move, only last week revealing there had been a change of mind at one club and an injury to a player at another, he today disclosed he believes he's making strides in the right direction.

He said: "I don't want to put a date on it, but there is the possibility of people coming in and we are hopeful that we are making progress towards supplementing the squad."

Calderwood was unwilling to discuss the detail of his plans either in terms of names or positions, but the departure of Bamba and now Grounds represents the loss of two players who were first-choice defenders. Although many thought Grounds would be in Edinburgh until January 29, Calderwood revealed the 23-year-old's loan deal included a clause allowing him to be recalled.

He said: "There was that agreement and Tony Mowbray wanted him back." Meanwhile, Michael Hart looks set for a return in Saturday's lunchtime start against SPL leaders after missing Hibs' last two matches with a knee injury.

The right-back played as Hibs drew 3-3 with a Newcastle United XI at the Magpies' training ground with Duffy scoring two of the Easter Road side's goals, the other coming courtesy of an own goal.

Club captain Chris Hogg, John Rankin, David Stephens, Graham Stack, Sean Welsh and Callum Booth also featured in what Calderwood described as "a good exercise."

Duffy hopes his brace will be the precursor for grabbing his first competitive goal against Celtic, the forward, newly- recovered from a broken foot, saying: "I'm trying to get as sharp as I can and playing games like that really helps me. It was another 45 minutes and in terms of improving my match fitness it was a good run-out."

Meanwhile, Hibs have agreed a new contract with 18-year-old midfielder Lewis Horner, who has already featured on the bench this season.