BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
HIBERNIAN have snapped up Lithuanian international striker Deivydas Matulevicius on a two-year contract.
The towering 28-year-old joins the Hibees from Belgian outfit Royal Mouscron, where he scored four goals in the second half of last season.
Matulevicius, who has plied his trade in Poland and Romania as well as his homeland, boasts 33 caps and has found the net five times for his country. He was an unused substitute in Lithuania’s 1-1 draw against Scotland at Hampden last October.
He becomes head coach Neil Lennon’s sixth summer signing following the arrivals of Danny Swanson, Simon Murray, Efe Ambrose, Ofir Marciano and Steven Whittaker.
Standing at 6ft3ins, Matulevicius is seen as the perfect physical presence to fill the void left by Grant Holt’s departure at the end of last season. However, the capital club remain keen to add another forward to their ranks, with Anthony Stokes still firmly on their radar.
Matulevicius told hibernianfc.co.uk: “I am very happy to now be a part of this club. It’s a big step in my career and I will do everything I can to make it a successful season for us.
“I’ve always watched British football and the style of play will suit me – it’s more physical and you need to have a lot of fight in every game. It’s a big club with a big history and I’m really happy to be here.”
