Jason Cummings signs new Hibs deal and says it was never in doubt

Hibernian's Jason Cummings has signed a new four year contract with the club. Picture: Gary Hutchison/SNS

Jason Cummings has stressed there was 'never any doubt' Easter Road is where he wants to be at this stage in his career after signing a new four-year deal with Hibernian.

The 20-year-old striker was nearing the end of a three-year deal signed in 2014 and  speculation had linked the player with a move away from Hibs. Former manager Alan Stubbs was reported to be interested in bringing  Cummings with him to Rotherham United while Rangers were also linked with the player.

However on the eve of Hibs’ first competitive match of the season against Brondby in a Europa League qualifying tie in the capital, Cummings has pledged his future to the Easter Road club – and to Neil Lennon. The new manager’s determination to sit down last month with the player in  Paris during Euro 2016 has paid dividends.

The new deal ties the Under-21 internationalist to Hibs until 2020. But most importantly, it means the club’s top goalscorer for the last two seasons is ready to contribute to Hibs’ efforts to gain promotion back to the Premiership in the up-coming campaign. “There was never any doubt in my mind over where I wanted to be this season, and I’m relieved to get it over the line,” explained Cummings, who has scored 48 goals in 109 appearances for Hibs.

“I feel my game has developed a lot over the last few seasons, and I’m looking forward to continuing to progress under the new manager.

“Everyone is buzzing after the Scottish Cup win, from the players to the supporters, and I’m sure we can achieve more over the coming years.”

Lennon later tweeted his delight at keeping Cummings at the club.

“Along with Paul Hanlon they could be our best 2  signings,” he added, with  reference to defender Hanlon’s decision to sign a new  three-year deal at Easter Road earlier this summer.