Hibs sign up Owain Tudur Jones and Ryan McGivern

HIBERNIAN have completed the signings of Manchester City defender Ryan McGivern and Inverness midfielder Owain Tudur Jones.
Ryan McGivern spent last season on loan at Easter Road but has joined on a permanent basis. Picture: SNSRyan McGivern spent last season on loan at Easter Road but has joined on a permanent basis. Picture: SNS
Ryan McGivern spent last season on loan at Easter Road but has joined on a permanent basis. Picture: SNS

Northern Ireland left-back McGivern spent the last 12 months on loan at Easter Road but has now agreed a two-year deal with the Edinburgh club after City decided against renewing his contract.

And Tudur Jones is also heading for the capital after penning a two-year agreement.

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The six-times capped Wales international helped Caley Thistle record their best-ever Clydesdale Bank Premier League finish of fourth this season but both he and McGivern can now look forward to Europa League football with the beaten William Hill Scottish Cup finalists..

Welsh midfielder Owain Tudur Jones. Picture: GettyWelsh midfielder Owain Tudur Jones. Picture: Getty
Welsh midfielder Owain Tudur Jones. Picture: Getty

McGivern, capped 19 times for his country, said: “I’m really pleased to have agreed to join Hibs on a permanent basis and I’m excited about what we can achieve as a group next season.

“There were other options available for me down south in England, but I wanted to stay with Hibs and continue my development at the club.

“Last season was a great experience for me and I’ve learned a huge amount from playing regular first-team football in the SPL.

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“I didn’t want my time with Hibs to end on a low note with what happened at Hampden; I wanted to play my part in helping the team to drive forward.

“We’ve got a decent, young side at Hibs and we will continue to get better - I really wanted to be part of that.”

And Tudur Jones, who made 39 appearances for Inverness last term as they missed out on a European slot following a last-day Highland derby defeat to Ross County, added: “The move to Hibs is a fresh challenge and one I’m really excited about.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always chased new challenges and not wanted to stand still.

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“Now I see Hibs as a challenge for myself - to help the club finish as high as possible in the table, which is where the club should be.”

As Scottish Cup runners-up, Hibernian will enter the Europa League at the second qualifying round stage and Tudur Jones is already excited about a foreign adventure.

“I’m looking forward to playing for Hibs in Europe - it’s something a little bit different and it will be a great experience.

“Playing against different teams from different countries will be great for the continued development of the squad and it’s something to get excited about.”

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Now Hibs manager Pat Fenlon believes McGivern, Tudur Jones and fellow new recruit Liam Craig - who arrives from St Johnstone on a Bosman transfer - will boost the team’s prospects for next season.

Fenlon said: “It’s great news that we’ve been able to bring Ryan to the club on a permanent basis - he’s a talented young defender with a bright future.

“It’s difficult sometimes to remember that he is still only 23 because of the experience he already has - both at club level and with Northern Ireland.

“Ryan is still learning and he has bought into what the group is trying to achieve here at the club; showing the commitment, desire and attitude to progress.

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“And we’re really pleased to be able to introduce both Owain and Liam to the squad for the new season too.

“They are both experienced midfielders, who know what the SPL is all about and will add some further physicality and creativity to the side.”