Ex-Hibs player Richie Towell training with Cardiff

Richie Towell in action for Hibernian against Kilmarnock in November 2011. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Dublin-born Towell, who started his career at Parkhead, made one substitute appearance for Celtic, joining Hibernian on loan during Colin Calderwood’s tenure.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, he was utilised at right back by Calderwood during his first spell at Easter Road, before a second loan deal was negotiated.

Towell left Celtic in June 2012, joining Dundalk the following December where he was joined by former Hibs and Ross County striker Kurtis Byrne.

Since signing for the Lillywhites, he has scored 17 goals in 60 appearances, helping Dundalk to the 2014 Irish Premier League title.

Cardiff boss Russell Slade is now set to run the rule over Towell in a friendly match with Chelsea scheduled for this Thursday.

According to Slade, the 23-year-old was the subject of interest from a number of English Premier League and Championship sides, but the Bluebirds ‘decided to dive in’ and assess the player.

The former Leyton Orient boss told Wales Online: “Richie is an attacking midfielder, a very athletic and fit lad. We’ve had him training and he’s found it pretty intense, to be honest.

“He’s got an eye for goal. I think he was in double figures from midfield for Dundalk as they won the title, so we are really looking forward to working with him.”

Towell’s Dundalk contract is set to run out at the end of this month, leaving him a free agent and available to sign for clubs despite the transfer window not being open.

Cardiff could make a move if Towell impresses as they look to plug the gap left by the long-term absence of South African international Kagisho Dikgacoi.