Hibs linked with pre-contract move for Killie defender O'Leary

Last updated : 18 February 2013 By Steve Forbes

Hibs have today been linked with a pre-contract move for Kilmarnock defender Ryan O'Leary.

The 25-year-old is out-of-contract at Rugby Park this summer and is free to talk to interested clubs.

Hibs have already secured the excellent Liam Craig from St Johnstone on a pre-contract deal, and are also said to have spoken to Dundee Utd pair John Daly and Willo Flood about a move to Easter Road in the summer.

O'Leary started his career with Aberdeen, but after only 2 appearances for the Dons, joined Killie for an undisclosed fee in 2005.

He spent the next 5 years at Rugby Park, but suffered a number of injuries, including a dislocated shoulder.

Killie loaned O'Leary out to Dundee on his comeback to regain his fitness, but the player left Rugby Park after the loan deal.

O'Leary then took 9 months out of football due to personal reasons, before attempting a comeback by going on trial with Vancouver Greencaps.

He failed to win a deal with the MLS side, but was quickly snapped up by former club Killie.

On his return to Killie he again suffered a horrible injury, this time to his cruciate ligament, and missed a further six months.

O'Leary has been capped at U20 and U21 level for Scotland, and also turned down a call-up by the Republic of Ireland in 2007, pledging his future to Scotland.