Francis Dickoh vows to beef up Hibs defence

NEW BOY Francis Dickoh today assured manager John Hughes that he's the man to add some steel to Hibs' back line - but insisted that his power doesn't come at the expense of an ability to pass the ball.

Hughes has made no secret of the fact he has been looking to add a physical presence to his squad this season and, at 6ft 1in, powerfully-built Dickoh believes that he fits the bill.

Dickoh is already aware of the demands of Scottish football, having spoken at great lengths with former Celtic striker Marc-Antoine Fortune, while he also knows ex-Hearts player Laryea Kingston and Dundee United's Prince Buaben.

And the defender said: "I know the style of football in the UK but not so much about Scottish football in particular.

"A lot of the players in the Ghana set-up are playing their football in the UK.

"I know Prince Buaben at Dundee United, I had one game with him with Ghana, and Laryea Kingston.

"I also know Marc-Antoine Fortune because I played with him at Utrecht. He is a good friend of mine and I spoke with him before I came here.

"Obviously I have to adapt to the tempo and the intensity of the training, I had my first day on Thursday, but it met my expectations.

"The physical aspect is definitely an attribute I would consider myself having. I like to give 100 per cent, combined with football along the grass. I don't like to play too many long balls but when they come, obviously I'm a defender, so I'll try to go for the aerial balls as well."

Meanwhile Hughes expects goalkeeper Graham Stack to return to training after the international break after a back problem and Michael Hart should be fit in time for the visit of Inverness in just over a week's time.

He added: "We've got a couple that are carrying knocks, Stacky should hopefully be back with us when the boys come back at the beginning of next week.

"Michael Hart looks like he'll be training with the lads next week as well. Luck has dealt him a bit of a poor hand with that injury because he was really beginning to settle into the side and look part of it.

"He has been back in the gym already and using the running machine, so he's not too far away.

"Sean Welsh is another one who has been out for a couple of weeks, but he is back in training now and available again."