Source: Daily_Mail
I'm back! Garry O'Connor returns to Hibs as 'leader of men'
ShareGarry O'Connor has insisted that a return to Hibs will rekindle his passion for football - allowing him to become the 'leader' needed in Colin Calderwood's reconstructed squad.[LNB] The former Scotland striker, whose off-field problems have often overshadowed a career that took him from Easter Road to Lokomotiv Moscow and then Birmingham City, has signed a one-year deal with his old club after being freed by Barnsley late last season.[LNB] Committed: Garry O'Connor[LNB] The 28-year-old said: 'I've never played with as much passion and commitment as I did when I pulled on the Hibs jersey. Hopefully I can help to lead the team and make sure that everyone plays with that same level of passion and excitement next year.[LNB] 'The manager says he wants me to come in and to be a leader.[LNB] 'He knows what type of player I can be, so he wants to see my full potential this season.'[LNB] O'Connor, who went AWOL while on Scotland duty back in 2006, had been training with Celtic last month - prompting Parkhead boss Neil Lennon to say he was 'an option' to be considered.[LNB] Returning to Leith 10 years after he made his debut, O'Connor joins a club where Calderwood has presided over a major clear-out. The Hibs boss said he was impressed by the striker's pedigree - and the man who scored 59 goals in 167 games during his first spell in Edinburgh believes he has improved dramatically since moving to Russia five years ago.[LNB] 'I'm still quite young but I've also now got lots of experience from playing in the English Premier League, the Championship and Russia. Hopefully I can bring some excitement to the team.[LNB] 'Ever since I left to go to Russia, I've always wanted to return at some point and I cannot wait to play at Easter Road again. This is where it all began for me.[LNB] 'I'm excited about what I can achieve with Hibernian and I aim to repay the faith shown in me by the manager by scoring goals and helping the team to succeed.[LNB] 'Hibs gave me my big break in the game and now I want to give them something back. I wanted to come back to Hibernian for a reason - my love of the club.[LNB] 'I think Hibs are going to get the best out of me. The manager has every faith in me - that is why I am here. Everything the manager said was positive about where he wants the club to be next season and the year after.[LNB] 'He talked about the players that he is trying to bring in. It is all positive for the club. This is a great environment to be in right now and one we need to build on.'[LNB] Calderwood said: 'Garry is a quality player with a proven pedigree at the highest level. He will strengthen our attack for next season and give us an extra option. He has learned a great deal about the game during his time away from Easter Road and will be a very exciting addition to our squad.' [LNB] Kayal's secret weapon: Celtic star hires super agent Zahavi for contract talksSPL to keep status quo after clubs kick 10-team proposal into touch[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Neil Lennon, Garry O'Connor, Colin Calderwood Places: Edinburgh, Scotland, Russia Organisations: English Premier League
