Dickoh will lend Hibs a physical presence in defence

The 27-year-old central defender was today poised to complete his move from Utrecht on a one-year deal, having flown into Scotland last night.

Hughes and his assistant Brian Rice have watched the Ghana internationalist in action in recent weeks, jetting out to Holland last month to see him play in a reserve match. Hughes said: "There's still a bit of paperwork to be completed but Francis is a guy that we have had our eye on for some time.

"He will bring a physical edge to the side and that is something that I am looking to add right through the team.

"I want to bring winners to this club and I think that is what Francis is. He is an experienced player, he knows how to play his position and his commitment and strength caught my attention. Brian Rice and I were over in Utrecht fairly recently watching him play in a reserve game and came away very impressed.

"He's composed on the ball and his enthuisiasm to come to Edinburgh, to try something different and to play football for Hibs said a lot.

"You come to this club and it is all there for you, you have got a great football club, a great training facility and a great city to enjoy."

In addition to Dickoh's arrival, Hughes admitted he was delighted to be joining forces once again with Darryl Duffy after signing the former Falkirk striker from Bristol Rovers.

Duffy played under Hughes at the Bairns and the Hibs manager added: "I know Darryl well, he's a different player altogether from Stokesy but he will score goals for us."

Meanwhile Anthony Stokes was today due to complete his move to Celtic on completion of a medical but the Irishman paid tribute to Hibs and to manager Hughes, saying: "I know I'm lucky to get a second chance at coming to a club like Celtic. Not too many people get that opportunity, so I have to be grateful. I need to say a big thank you to Hibs and to John Hughes because they have been great for me."