Hibs boss John Hughes has today completed his third signing of the summer. Preston North End full back Michael Hart has signed under freedom of contract, after the English club released him earlier today. 30-year-old Hart has signed a 2-year-deal at Easter Road, and along with fellow summer recruits Edwin De Graaf and David Stephens, is likely to feature against Dunfermline on Saturday. Hart moved to Preston from Aberdeen in a £100,000 deal two years ago, after 10 years in Scottish football, including Livingston and two spells at the Dons. The defender was delighted with his move, speaking to the official club website, he said: "I'm really pleased to sign for Hibernian - it is a club that keeps progressing and I'm delighted to become a part of that.
"My aim is to play regular first team football and I've played the majority of my career at right-back, so hopefully I can help the team out in that position.
"John Hughes is a manager I've admired for a long time with his enthusiasm for the game and his ambitious nature.
"But he didn't need to sell Hibernian to me because the prospect of playing Europa League football in a new-look stadium is really exciting."
Hibs boss Hughes was also delighted, he said:
"Make no mistake, Michael is a quality player with lots of experience and he is a top-class right back.
"So we are delighted to be able to add him to our squad and we believe he will make a big contribution here at Hibernian.
"Michael is a player that has been on our radar for a long time now and, for different reasons, we were previously unable to bring to the football club.
"But as I keep saying to the supporters, sometimes you need to be a little patient and that approach has certainly paid off this time around.
"He is an ambitious player, who has already proven his credentials in the SPL and he is also a leader who will help the development of some of our younger players."
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