Claros extends Easter Road stay to end of season

The Honduran joined the club in last year’s January transfer window and his previous deal, from parent club Montagua, expired on Tuesday.

Having extended the loans of top scorer Leigh Griffiths and defender Ryan McGivern, Hibs worked extensively over the past month to persuade Montagua to allow Claros to stay in Edinburgh.

“It was always our intention to keep all our loan players at the club,” said Hibs manager Pat Fenlon yesterday, “so the fact Jorge is staying is a real positive.

“Overall, we’ve managed to keep Jorge, Leigh [Griffiths] and Ryan [McGivern], while also adding Scott [Robertson] – that’s four international players, so it has been a productive transfer window.”

Claros’s form between this season and last mirrored the fortunes of his temporary employers. The midfielder looked lost at times last season as he struggled to implement his talents in the Scottish game. This culminated in the overwhelmed midfielder being substituted during the Scottish Cup final defeat by Hearts three minutes before half-time.

Since then Claros has got to grips with the SPL and Hibs have played to his strengths, with the arrival of Gary Deegan allowing him a much clearer role. The Irishman’s physicality has given Claros increased time and space to play in defensive midfield, dictating play and establishing possession for his team.

His future was the subject of speculation for more than a month, with Fenlon preferring Tom Taiwo in recent weeks, but now Claros can get back to concentrating on his football.

“I’m very happy to be staying with Hibs,” said the Honduran internationalist. “I’ve enjoyed my time at the club and believe I have improved as a player. Now the loan deal has been sorted I’m looking forward to helping Hibs enjoy a strong finish to the season.

“My family also feel settled here in Edinburgh and that was a very important factor for me.”