Hibs sign defender Martin Canning

Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen has revealed that he has signed former Gretna centre half Martin Canning.

The 26-year-old centre half has signed a contract at the club on an 18-month contract until May 2009 and goes straight in to the squad for Sunday's SPL clash with Aberdeen at Easter Road.

Canning also played for Ross County and Peterhead and impressed the Hibs manager in a couple of bounce games while on trial and brings experience to quite a young defence, having played over 260 times in his career to date.

The other player Hibs had on trial, Swedish winger Martin Mutumba, has failed to secure himself a deal at Hibernian, despite reports last week on a local Edinburgh radio station that said we had already signed the player.

Hibs boss Mixu told the OFFICIAL club website:

"Martin worked with Donald Park at Ross County before being transferred to Gretna, however a long-term injury restricted his appearances this season. He is now fully fit and played very well in two reserve games, playing in central defence and at right-back, and looked strong in both positions. I'm pleased that he has agreed to join us and I'm sure he will do well here."