Hibs swoop for Sean O'Hanlon

NEW MAN: Sean O'Hanlon

The Evening News understands the 6ft 3in stopper has all but agreed a two-year deal with the Edinburgh club after being released by the English League One side at the end of the season.

In what is set to become a commentator's nightmare O'Hanlon will join Scotland Under-21 skipper Paul Hanlon in the centre of Hibs' defence, at 28 bringing some much-needed experience to a backline which at times last season boasted an average age of just 20.

The wait for further signings following Calderwood's capture of fans' favourite Ivan Sproule before last season had ended has been a long one for Hibs supporters. But the Evening News also understands that with the squad due to return for pre-season training on Monday further arrivals are in the pipeline with Calderwood having already stated his intention to beef up his strikeforce following the departures of Derek Riordan and Colin Nish.

A former England Under-20 internationalist, Liverpool-born O'Hanlon began his career with hometown club Everton before moving to Swindon, initially on loan.

Having made 99 appearances, many of them as captain, he switched to Milton Keynes in 2006, quickly establishing himself as a linchpin in the side as he played 138 games in his first three seasons and claimed 13 goals.

Knee surgery ruled him out for most of the 2009/2010 season, restricting him to just three games. But he returned to action last season, notching up a further 37 appearances and four goals.

A powerful centre-half who is noted for his aerial dominance, one of the most noteable moments of his career was scoring with a towering header at Wembley as MK Dons beat Grimsby 2-0 to lift the Football League Trophy in 2008.