Aiden McGeady to Hibs: Lee Johnson speaks on speculation linking winger with Easter Road switch

Hibs manager Lee Johnson has refused to rule out a move for former Sunderland winger Aiden McGeady, describing the wideman as a ‘maverick’.

The Easter Road boss revitalised the 36-year-old’s career at the Stadium of Light after he had effectively been frozen out under previous management and the former Republic of Ireland forward has been linked with a move to Hibs since Shaun Maloney’s time at the club.

He is a free agent as of the end of this month, and Fleetwood Town – now managed by McGeady’s former Celtic team-mate Scott Brown – were also credited with an interest. Hibs are actively trying to bolster their options in the wide areas and the veteran attacker remains a viable option.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Johnson remained coy over the links.

"I've got a strong relationship with Aiden McGeady, I think he's a fantastic player with unbelievable feet,” he said.

“He gets to the corner of the box and often there's an assist or a shot or a goal. He's 36 years old, so whether it's us or anywhere else he's got nothing to prove but a lot to prove as well.”

McGeady came through the ranks at Celtic after spells with Busby Boys Club and Queen’s Park, before stints with Spartak Moscow, Everton, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston, Sunderland, and Charlton, and Johnson knows him well from their time at the Black Cats.

"He's a maverick; a challenging but inspiring character to have around any squad,” the Hibs boss continued.

"Whoever gets Aiden for a year or two will have an exceptional player and person."