Albion Rovers snap up former Hibs player as midfielder returns to football after two-year break

Midfielder has been out of the game since leaving Peterhead in 2018
Paul Cairney (centre) is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring for Hibs against St JohnstonePaul Cairney (centre) is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring for Hibs against St Johnstone
Paul Cairney (centre) is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring for Hibs against St Johnstone

Former Hibs midfielder Paul Cairney has joined League Two side Albion Rovers, after spending more than two years out of the game.

The 32-year-old departed Easter Road in the summer of 2014 after making more than 50 appearances in green and white, and has since spent time with Kilmarnock, Stranraer, Ayr United, and Peterhead.

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Cairney left Balmoor in January 2018 and has been without a club since. He played under current Rovers boss Brian Reid during his spell at Stair Park.

Speaking to the club’s website he said: “I am delighted to be back playing again, I have had a wee period out of football but I am more than ready to be playing again.

“When Brian gave me a call it was a no brainer.”

Manager Reid added: “I honestly think this is a massive coup for us. Having worked with Paul at Stranraer, I know the real quality he has.

"His intelligence on the pitch and his natural ability is second to none. He has a great passing range and will be a steady head on the park.”

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“I have made clear already that I want the squad to have experience and Paul brings an abundance."

The Cliftonhill outfit finished ninth in last season’s competition, but were one of just two clubs to experience a boost in attendance figures on the previous year.

The League Two season begins in October, and Cairney will come up against a few of his former Easter Road team-mates, with Calum Antell, Danny Handling and Alex Harris all playing regularly for Edinburgh City and Fraser Mullen featuring in defence for Cowdenbeath.

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