Hibs boss looks to the market despite trio of signings

Hibs boss Colin Calderwood is poised to plunge back into the transfer market again despite having completed a trio of signings in the space of just 48 hours.

Celtic kid Richie Towell completed a hectic period of activity, joining Matt Thornhill from Nottingham Forest and Ross County's Martin Scott at Easter Road as Calderwood began to reshape his squad.

But, the Evening News understands, Calderwood is keen to continue strengthening ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline. The former Scotland defender wants to add some firepower to a side which has failed to score in its last five matches and has held talks with Inverness Caley's Adam Rooney.

However, the 14-goal hitman already has a lucrative offer, one which Hibs are unlikely to be able to match, from Russian outfit Kuban Krasnador on the table, while Swiss side Young Boys of Berne are said to be interested along with a number of English Championship clubs.

Calderwood has also been linked with a move for former Dundee United and Rangers striker Steven Thompson, but he has been a regular member of new Burnley manager Eddie Howe's squad in recent weeks and played all but the last three minutes of the Turf Moor club's 2-1 win away to Portsmouth last night.

Moves to tempt Newcastle United reserve Phil Airey to Edinburgh also stalled when the 19-year-old striker damaged a hamstring. However, that setback, and others Calderwood has suffered in his attempts to lure fresh talent to Easter Road, won't deter the manager who, as the Evening News revealed yesterday, has been casting an eye over Czech goalkeeper Jakub Divis this week.

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender Towell has been put on stand-by to face a baptism of fire tonight as Hibs take on the other half of the Old Firm, Rangers, at Easter Road.

Towell, who has made just one appearance for Celtic this season as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Inverness in November, said: "It would be brilliant to be able to make my debut against Rangers, games don't get any bigger than that. Hopefully, I can play some part in the game and help Hibs win. I want to make an impact in the team and help Hibs to climb up the table."

However, debuts for midfielders Scott and Thornhill have been put on hold with the former Ross County man suspended tonight and Thornhill, who finally completed a two-and-a-half year deal after moving from Nottingham Forest, is suffering from a bruised foot which will keep him out of action until early next month.