Hibs boss delighted as Grounds heads to Easter Road

HIBS boss John Hughes today admitted his delight at convincing Gordon Strachan to part company with Jonathan Grounds - and is hoping the versatile Englishman can make a huge impact in a short period of time.

The 22-year-old made the move to Easter Road yesterday, agreeing a six-month loan deal from the Riverside, and became Hibs' second signing on the final day of the transfer window behind defender Francis Dickoh.

Middlesbrough manager Strachan clearly has high hopes for Grounds, who can play either at left-back, centre-half or in midfield, as he signed him up on a new two-year deal just two weeks ago.

Hughes believes Grounds can make an instant impression and said: "Jonathan is a talented player we have kept tabs on for quite a while now. I am delighted to have secured his services, even for a short period. He's young, committed and provides great competition in the squad. I am really looking forward to getting him working with the team."

Grounds himself revealed that it was Strachan's growing band of Scottish players at the Riverside who helped sell the move to Hibs to him: "I have heard a lot about the SPL from the Scottish lads at Boro and I am keen to get playing for Hibernian. It looks like an exciting league and a great club to be part of."

Meanwhile, former Hibs goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay has gone on trial with Swansea City.

The 24-year-old would be able to sign outside of the transfer window because he is a free agent and has a week to impress manager Brendan Rodgers, who he worked with at Stamford Bridge while on Chelsea's books.