Ricardo tipped to be precious Vaz for Hibs

Talbot was a team-mate of the Portuguese striker at Bolton Wanderers and saw enough of the flamboyant hitman to know Colin Calderwood has secured the services of a technically gifted and dangerous player.

Vaz Te signed for the Easter Road side on the last day of February, making his debut - and an immediate impression - in the 1-1 draw with St Johnstone earlier this month.

The frontman with the wacky hair and colourful character has penned a deal that will keep him in Edinburgh until at least the end of the season and Talbot reckons he can make his mark for the Hibees.

"Ricardo came to Bolton about a year after I first signed my YT forms and he always looked a good player. He was a year or two younger than me and he ended up staying there longer than I did.

"He's a very technical player and great to watch. He had a lot of potential although he had a bit of bad luck with injuries. If he can steer clear of injuries at Hibs, then I think he will be a great addition to their squad."

Talbot, 25, pictured below, is sure Vaz Te will quickly adapt to Scottish football, having already been forced to tailor his game to the more physical British style of play after joining Wanderers back in 2003.

He continued: "When he first came to Bolton, I think it took him a little while to adapt to the British style of football, because in this country it's about a battle first and then the football comes next.

"But he got that side of things quite quickly and he was a popular guy. I haven't spoken to him for a while, but he's on my Facebook page, so I will try to drop him a message to see if he fancies catching up over the next few weeks.

"There are a few boys up in Scotland now that I played with or against down in England. I also know Dunfermline's Joe Cardle well - I played with him for two-and-a-half years at Port Vale. It's quite strange that you come all this way and see so many familiar faces.

"I was just a kid when I signed for Bolton but it was a great experience for me.

"I learned a lot when I was there and also from the two loan spells that I had at Derby and Mansfield Town."It basically earned me a move to Mansfield after being loaned out a couple of times."

Talbot, who has been with Livi for three seasons, is enjoying playing regular first-team football and is hoping their charge to the top of the table this season will encourage more supporters to come out and watch Gary Bollan's side as they head for the Second Division title.

"I've been at the club for about three years now and I'm really enjoying it, there's no better feeling for a footballer than to be playing week-in, week-out.

"I'm just trying my hardest for the club and hopefully that will reap rewards for Livingston and for myself.

"I'm really happy up here, I have settled in to the club and the area quite well .

"We've got a good support and we have seen quite an increase in the number of people coming along to games because we've managed to get consistently good results."