Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen rules out move for TPS Turku striker Mika Ääritalo

Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen has ruled out a raid on his former club, TPS Turku, for Finland international striker Mika Ääritalo.

Ääritalo, 22, joined TPS from English Premiership side Aston Villa in 2005 after playing at various levels for the Aston Villa youth and reserve sides.

The 6ft 1in forward failed to settle in the Midlands and returned to hometown club TPS Turku in February 2005.

The big forward's form since returning to his homeland was so good that he was called up to the Finland national team by now Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.

Ääritalo can play either wide left or through the middle as a striker, but big Mixu has ruled out a move due to how much the player would cost the Hibees.

Mixu ruled out a move for the player but IS looking to add to his squad in the January transfer window, he said:

"Mika is a very good player, a very direct winger who is in the Finland squad, but he is under contract at TPS and it would take a big fee to sign him so I don't think he will be coming to Hibs at this time.

"But I feel we need more experience in the team. It's good to work with the youngsters and with a young squad but we need experienced players to help the youngsters develop more.

"We know which players we want to bring in, they are players I know or have seen playing, but it's not as easy as all that."

Tell us what you think of this news on the www.Hibernian-Mad.co.uk message board, at the link below.