Colin Calderwood delight as Junior Agogo agrees deal

HIBERNIAN manager Colin Calderwood last night praised Ghana internationalist Junior Agogo for taking a 'leap of faith' in agreeing a one-year deal with the club - and revealed more funds had been set aside for another 'quality' signing.

The Easter Road outfit are expecting international clearance to come through imminently but the former Nottingham Forest marksman will not be available for Saturday's league encounter with Inverness because of a thigh strain.

Speaking after watching his side go down 2-0 in last night's friendly at Blackpool, he said: "He's put himself out there, he's paid his own way and has continued to pay his own way for the majority of the time he's been with us. So, he's taken a leap of faith because his contract will edge up once he's fit. What he's getting paid at the minute is a level that won't pay for too much.

"I am looking for another one, and the thing that is blatantly obvious to us is the level of player now getting put to us.

"It's the effect of everyone starting pre-season training and players finding they then might not be involved as much as they want to be and clubs wanting to give people experience.

"There's going to be real good additions to be had and that's why we've held back some amount of money. We might have to go and stretch that a little bit but I think we could cherry-pick one or two, hopefully."

Agogo could make his debut in the friendly against Sunderland on Saturday week and is determined to prove a success.

He said: "As soon as Colin told me about the opportunity, there was only one club that I wanted to sign for and that was Hibernian.

"I've enjoyed every minute of my time at Hibernian so far and the atmosphere within the squad is both positive and ambitious. I know what Colin wants from his players and I am aiming to deliver committed displays and goals to the team.

"I've not played in Scotland before, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Meanwhile, Calderwood was dealt a blow last night when Martin Scott had to have six stitches inserted into a cut in his shin.

However, the former Ross County midfielder could yet make Saturday's meeting with Inverness, along with defender Sean O'Hanlon, who is nursing a broken toe.