Hibs have signed a Schmeichel!
New keeper set to meet the press at Easter Road as former coach sings his praises

AFTER BEING STUCK ON A FRENCH CAMPSITE FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS, I could be forgiven for thinking that nothing had changed down Easter Road way during that time.  However with last week's signing of Steven Glass and the expected unveiling of Dane Morten Hyldgaard and Northern Ireland International defender Colin Murdock at some point today, the tide is certainly turning in favour of boss Bobby Williamson, a tide that may also see another two  or three player deals being finalised before the opening home pre-season game against Sunderland next Saturday.

Hyldgaard joins Hibs on a free transfer from Coventry City where he made 31 appearances for the Sky Blues since joining in December 1998 although he also spent spells on loan to both Grimsby and Scunthorpe during that time.  With another eight players being made available at Highfield Road over the summer by Gary McAllister, Hyldgaard has found the opportunity of regular football more attractive than the mercenary attitude of many other footballers over the last few years and has signed a one year deal with the club, a deal that appears to safeguard the Dane's personal terms for the time that would have been remaining on his contract with the Midlands club. 

One man that knows all about Hyldgaard is current Coventry and former Scotland goalkeeping coach Alan Hodgkinson.  He believes that the Hibs boss has pulled off a major coup in signing the 27 year old Dane after financial reasons forced Coventry to look for potential buyers for the big keeper.  "Morten is a giant man at 6ft 5 and is extremely talented.  I thought that this year he could become the next Peter Schmeichel, with whom I worked for seven years. He's that kind of guy.  He played around 31 games for Coventry last season and you could not say he made a mistake. He comes and takes crosses and always has a huge presence in the box.  There is no question that if he continues to progress the way he has been doing, Morten will be one of the top keepers.  There is no reason why he should not be a major success in Scotland and Hibs have done very well to sign a goalkeeper of his quality."  One of the criticisms of Nick Colgan's reign as Hibs first choice keeper was the lack of presence in the penalty area, something that Hodgkinson doesn't believe will be any problem with Hibs latest recruit.

Hyldgaard and Murdock - set for Deepdale debuts

"He has this awesome presence and authority - like Schmeichel. He will go from strength to strength.  It's a great opportunity for him to come to Scotland. He will be involved in some tremendous games against Rangers, Celtic and Hearts.  I know Hibs' goalkeeping coach Ian Westwater very well - I have worked with him on many courses - and he is an outstanding coach who will help develop Morten further."

Murdock on the other hand has seen himself out of the picture at Preston North End after rejecting a pay cut over the summer.  Capped 17 times for Northern Ireland, the 28 year old left sided defender has been a target for Hibs boss Bobby Williamson for some time with Williamson taking the opportunity that was presented before him as a result of the dispute between the player and former Scotland boss Craig Brown gladly.  With Hibs heading down the M6 to Preston at the end of the week, an interesting debut looks to be in order for the latest recruit to Bobby Williamson's much changed side.

One player who has not yet signed a deal for any club is former club captain John O'Neil.  O'Neil has spent a few days training with English First Division Side Rotherham United and looks likely to travel to the Isle of Man Tournament with them with an offer depending very much on how he fares there although the only comment from The Millers being a general one.  "Hibernian's Scottish international, John O'Neil, is one of a number of players who have been training with Rotherham United this week as Millers boss Ronnie Moore looks into the possibility of strengthening his squad. O'Neil has been made available by the Scottish club, who are managed by former Rotherham striker Bobby Williamson."  With several overseas players also on trial at Millmoor over the past few weeks and likely to be in the run up to the start of the new season, there is no guarantee that the Hibs boss will have the funds available soon to make Andy McLaren the fourth new signing during this years summer recess.  Another current Hibs player with contract talks on his mind appears still to be close to agreeing the terms of a new deal at Easter Road.  Grant Brebner previously stated that he wouldn't sign a new contract until he had seen some new faces come in through the Main Stand doors instead of in the opposite direction.  With three new signings made in the space of around a week, the pressure will certainly be on the midfielder to honour his previous statements.

Meanwhile, Hibs have confirmed that over 1,300 tickets have been sold for Saturday's visit to Preston with fans travelling from all over Britain to see the Hibees in action for the first time since the end of May.  With buses being organised by various groups and organisations, a good atmosphere is certainly guaranteed in the stands.  Whether that translates to the pitch will remain to be seen although with some new faces in the Hibs side, fans should remember that the game may not be all it's hoped it will be as players get used to each other after, in a couple of cases, only a day or two together.