Done deal: Hibs sign Leicester City centre-back Darnell Johnson

Darnell Johnson has joined Hibs from Leicester City

Hibs have completed the signing of Darnell Johnson on loan from Leicester City until the end of the season.

The arrival of the 20-year-old centre-back follows the news that Ryan Porteous will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The 19-year-old academy graduate sustained the injury in the defeat to Motherwell earlier this month. He underwent surgery on Wednesday with the aim to be back for pre-season.

Johnson, who can also fill in at right-back, arrives with an abundance of experience at youth level with England, having been capped at every age group from Under-16 to Under-20. He played alongside Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon as his country won the U19 European Championships in 2017.

He signed a three-year deal in the summer and has been a regular for the Foxes’ U23 side

He told the Hibs website: “I’ve had a great grounding at Leicester City and with the England youth international sides but now I’m really hungry to prove myself at first-team level.

“I’ve done my research and I know about Hibernian’s reputation for giving young players a chance.

“I hope I’m the next one to make a name for myself here. I can’t wait to get started in training on Friday, meet everyone and do whatever it takes to try and win a place in the team.”

Johnson is Hibs’ second deadline day signing following the arrival of Marc McNulty from Reading.