Former Hibs, Celtic and Scotland ace Derek Riordan joins Edinburgh City

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

FORMER Hibernian, Celtic and Scotland forward Derek Riordan has finally returned to football after joining League Two side Edinburgh City.

The 34-year-old has penned a deal with the Meadowbank part-timers until the end of the season as they look to bolster their attacking options.

He trained with the club earlier this term, without signing, but has now committed to a short-term contract as the Citizens seek to avoid relegation in their maiden SPFL campaign.

Riordan has been without a club since leaving York City last summer, while he has also turned out for the likes of East Fife, Alloa, Bristol Rovers and St Johnstone during an increasingly journeyman career.

However, City boss Gary Jardine hopes the mercurial front-man can rediscover the form that made him a Hibs hero, scoring 90 goals in two stints at Easter Road either side of a two-year spell with Celtic.

Riordan was an unused substitute as the Citizens claimed a pivotal 2-1 win against relegation rivals Cowdenbeath on Tuesday night.

And Jardine said: “Derek brings real experience. He trained with us before and I was impressed throughout the session; the way he was talking and coaching players through.

“It doesn’t matter to us that he hasn’t played for a long time. It is no secret we have found goals hard to come by and he brings goals and quality to the side. It can only be good for us.”