Hibs sign ex-Hearts striker James Keatings

James Keatings scored 11 goals for Hearts last term

The striker has crossed Edinburgh’s football divide after leaving Hearts last week and pledged his future to the Easter Road club.

Keatings, 23, had interest from several teams after severing ties with Hearts. However, he will continue his career at Hibs next season in an unexpected move.

The player left Hearts by mutual consent on Friday and signed a deal with Hibs this morning. He scored 11 goals in 33 appearances for Hearts this season as they won the Scottish Championship. However, Keatings was told he would be merely a squad player in the Premiership if he stayed at Hearts.

He was allowed to leave for free and has chosen Hibs for his next career move. His arrival brings strong competition to the attack at Easter Road, with Farid El Alagui, Jason Cummings and Dominique Malonga all vying for places.