Plymouth leading pack for Hibs defender Forster

Last updated : 09 January 2016 By Steve Forbes

Out-of-favour Hibs defender Jordon Forster has a host of clubs willing to take him on loan.

Hibs-Mad understands that Plymouth Argyle have moved to the front of the queue of clubs interested in the versatile youngster, who can play centre half, right back or as a holding midfielder.

English League Two side Plymouth have been joined in the chase for his signature by long time admirers Kilmarnock, as well as Dundee Utd, York City & St Mirren.

Dundee had also been credited with an interest after their captain James McPake picked up a horror knee injury, but they have moved quickly to sign ex Celtic defender Darren O'Dea, which would likely kill any move for Forster.

Apparently only Plymouth, so far, have registered an interest (despite press reports of no contact between the clubs), and Hibs boss Alan Stubbs has confirmed that Forster would be allowed to leave on loan should an offer come in.

Forster, 22, is highly regarded at Easter Road, and it's thought Hibs are looking to offer the player a new deal, as his current contract runs out in the summer.

Forster has played 56 games for the Hibees, scoring 5 goals, since making his debut, in a 1-2 win at Tynecastle, against Hearts in the 2012/13 season.

He has also had loan spells with Berwick Rangers and East Fife, when he was a teenager in the club's development system.

Plymouth are managed by former Hibs assistant manager Derek Adams, who will know Forster well from his time at Easter Road, and as long term Ross County boss.

The possible move south for Forster also brings back memories of when a defender last left Easter Road for Home Park.

Frenchman Mathias Kouo-Doumbé left Easter Road for Plymouth in 2004, after he was unsettled by press reports of interest from Rangers and refused to sign a new deal.

The Rangers move didn't happen, so Doumbe signed for the then English Championship side Argyle, and went on to make nearly 150 appearances for the club, before leaving for MK Dons in 2009.