Keeper deal ends Hibs' transfer bids

HIBS boss John Hughes admitted the arrival of goalkeeper Mark Brown had probably completed his transfer dealings ahead of today's deadline.

Brown became the second goalkeeper to sign on at Easter Road this month, joining former Rangers team-mate Graeme Smith, who arrived on New Year's Day. And, while he revealed he'd been hoping to add further faces, Hughes insisted he'd be happy to face the remainder of the season with his current squad, one which has regained third spot, having taken nine points in the space of eight days.

He said: "It looks as if we've completed our business for this window. It's not been for the want of trying. There were players out there we could have had a throw of the dice at, taken a wee chance but we have made a conscious effort to bring the right types in."

Hughes is delighted to have snapped up 28-year-old Brown on a two-and-a-half year deal after he was released by Celtic following spells with Motherwell and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Brown's arrival now means Hughes has four goalkeepers battling for the jersey with the competition set to intensify as long-term injury victim Graham Stack begins his comeback in a bounce match tomorrow.

While Smith has been in possession of the gloves since returning to Scotland from Brighton, the 26-year-old taking advantage of injuries to both Stack and Yves Ma-Kalambay, Hughes insisted it will be a four-way fight.

"I said six weeks ago I wanted to get a goalkeeping school in place and I am delighted we have done so," he said. "It was a position which was causing me some concern but we've now got four goalkeepers, all of a good age and all with their best years in front of them."