Bohemians’ Evan McMillan on brink of Hibs switch

Reports in the Republic of Ireland last night claimed the 26-year-old had impressed Easter Road manager Pat Fenlon enough on trial to be offered a contract and suggested a deal could be struck within days.

McMillan, who finished as Bohs top scorer with eight goals after playing part of the Irish season as a striker, is out of contract in the coming days and would be available for free. The former UCD and St Patrick’s Athletic player has also been linked with interest from Dundee United and English League Two outfit Chesterfield, as well as champions Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland.

It is understood Fenlon is keen to strengthen his squad with a winger and cover at full-back if he is handed any funds for the January transfer window. However, the Irishman has already confessed that, unless any of his on-loan trio of Leigh Griffiths, Ryan McGivern and Jorge Claros depart next month, he is likely to have to move players on before he can make signings.

Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Cairney is hoping to improve his goalscoring record with Hibs over the festive period. The summer signing from Partick Thistle has been a massive success this season but has been disappointed with a lack of goals in green and white after scoring 12 for the Jags last term.

The 25-year-old grabbed his second of the campaign to earn Hibs all three points in the 1-0 win over St Johnstone on 28 November and marked the goal with a double somersault. He explained: “Somebody asked me to do it on the Hibernian fans’ page on Twitter and hopefully I can do a few more this season.

“I’ve had a wee bad spell over the last couple of weeks, but hopefully I can kick on and get back to where I was and play better than I have been because we’ve got some big games coming up.”