Hibs boss says Hanlon emergence made him accept Leicester's Bamba bid

The Ivory Coast star agreed a 250,000 switch to the Foxes, teaming up once again with Sven-Goran Eriksson who managed the West African nation during last summer's World Cup. Today, Calderwood described Bamba's transaction as "a terrific deal" for Hibs, the 25-year-old having cost the Easter Road outfit only 75,000 when he moved from Dunfermline two-and-a-half years ago.

Since then Bamba has established himself as a full internationalist but, with his contract in Edinburgh due to expire at the end of the season, Calderwood believed the opening of the January transfer window was the perfect time to cash in rather than allow him to leave for nothing in a few months.

Revealing he didn't believe Bamba would have remained in the Capital beyond this summer, Calderwood also disclosed the performances of 20-year-old Hanlon since he became manager of Hibs in October had had a bearing on his decision to okay Leicester's approach.

Insisting the deal was right for both parties, Calderwood said: "It helps having someone like Paul here, that makes all the difference.

"All-in-all it makes perfect sense to accept the deal that was offered." The speed of Bamba's move saw Francis Dickoh and Hanlon form a new partnership in central defence for the New Year's Day derby at Tynecastle, the pair performing well despite Kevin Kyle's late goal earning Hearts victory.

And Calderwood confessed to having been impressed by the performances of Scotland Under-21 captain Hanlon both at centre back and left back.

Having made his debut as an unknown 17-year-old under former boss Mixu Paatelainen, Hanlon has now made almost 60 first-team appearances, a total which Calderwood admitted has caught his eye.

He said: "I didn't realise Paul had played so many games.

"I think that when you've played 100 you become a professional football player so he's well on his way."