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HIBS have taken Wales internationalist Neal Eardley on trial as they seek to beef up their defensive options.
Easter Road boss Neil Lennon has been seeking competition for skipper David Gray in the right-back slot and, after holding talks with Tom Hateley before he signed for Dundee, last week decided against offering a contract to Poland cap Filip Modelski.
He is now running the rule over Eardley, who left Birmingham City in the summer after previous spells with Oldham Athletic and Blackpool.
The 27-year-old, who suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in January, played for Wales at every age group and has 16 caps for his country at full international level.
Lennon commented: “We have Neal Eardley in on trial. He’s a Welsh player with over 200 appearances in his career and he is out of contract.
“We are having a look at him and he will play tomorrow (for the under-20s against St Mirren). He’s got vast experience and he’s overcome a couple of injuries.
“He may fit the bill as the player we are looking for.”
Lennon was speaking as he picked up the Ladbrokes Championship manager of the month award for August, with striker Jason Cummings making it a welcome double for Hibs by scooping the player prize.
Hibs have won all five outings in the league so far this season and Lennon is eager to ensure he has a few more accolades in his possession by the end of the campaign.
RECOGNITION
Lennon, who brushed off suggestions he could move for Celtic misfit Kris Commons in January, added: “I certainly didn’t get any manager of the month awards at Bolton!
“I got plenty at Celtic, though. It’s nice to get recognition but it’s down to the players.
“Jason has got the player of the month award and he really deserves it because he has been really consistent.
“The team has been great. We’ve backed it up with another win at the weekend and it’s been a good start for us.
“It’s not an award that’s at the forefront of your mind but I will take it anytime because it shows the team are playing consistently well and getting good results.
“But if I pick up a few at the end of the season I know I will be doing something right.”
