Killen hoping for new deal

The New Zealand internationalist's contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he was free to speak with interested parties when the transfer window opened on January 1.

Hibs boss John Collins has already said he is keen to hold onto the former Oldham Athletic striker, who was signed by Tony Mowbray in January last year.

And discussions aimed at agreeing a new deal to keep the Kiwi in the Capital are progressing well, although as yet no agreement has been reached.

However, one player who won't be remaining in Leith is Scotland under-19 captain Darren McCormack, who has put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with SPL Champions Celtic.

The 18-year-old defender, a self-confessed Hibs fan, helped the Scots qualify for the European Championships in Austria this summer and was regarded as one of Hibs' best young prospects.

But Celtic learned his contract was close to expiring and signed him on a three-year-deal, a move understood to have stunned Hibs.

Supporters, though, will be buoyed by the news that a deal to keep Killen could be struck soon.

"There's been talks with my agent and the club but that's not what I'm focussing on just now," said the striker, who has banged in 14 goals so far this season.

"Talks have been positive. They have said they want me to stay and I'm happy here so hopefully something can be worked out.

"It's something that's going to have to be sorted out in the near future but, if it can be done away from me, then great as it's something I don't want to have to deal with - I just want to concentrate on scoring goals and winning games."

Meanwhile, Collins has revealed that, with his side not in competitive action until Wednesday, he'll use today to run the rule over potential signing targets.

The Easter Road manager and his network of scouts will hit the road to take in a series of matches and he's hopeful of unearthing a somebody to bolster his squad.

"I'll be out looking at prospective signings as will all the coaching staff and scouts," he said.

"It's good timing not having a game with the transfer window being open and it'll will give us the chance to watch people in action."