Winger Matthew Kennedy pens Hibernian loan deal

Matthew Kennedy of Everton has signed a six-month loan deal with Hibernian. Picture: Getty

Stubbs managed the 19-year-old in Everton’s under-21 squad before moving to Easter Road during the summer and has brought him in ahead of their Scottish Championship opener against Livingston at Easter Road.

Kennedy, who has had loan spells with Tranmere and Milton Keynes Dons since moving from Ayrshire to Merseyside in August 2012, said: “I’m really excited about being here - Hibernian are a massive club and I’m looking forward to working with Alan Stubbs again.

“He was my manager with the under-21s at Everton and I’ve always enjoyed working with him, so everything about this loan move made sense.

“I’m looking to play as regularly as possible and to help Hibernian climb back up into the Premiership.”

Head coach Stubbs added: “Matthew is a player with huge potential and he will be a great addition to our squad.

“His arrival emboldens what I’ve consistently said throughout the summer transfer window - we want to bring quality players here to Hibernian.

“I’m delighted to sign someone, who I have worked with over the past couple of years - he knows exactly what I want and I know what he is capable of.

“I would like to thank Everton for allowing me to take one of their talented young players on a six-month loan and believe Hibernian will be a great platform for him to continue his development and to fulfil his potential.”

Across the city, Hearts open their season against title favourites Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday and midfielder Morgaro Gomis believes it’s important to lay down a marker.

The former Dundee United player said: “It’s a really important game because it’s the first game of the season and because it’s against Rangers. So everybody will be looking at the game.”