Hibs have brought in Stoke midfielder Tom Soares and Coventry defender James McPake on loand to help them avoid relegation for the rest of the season. Former Livingston player McPake looking forward to getting back playing in Scottish football and Soares eager to boost his career lift after struggling in the Premier League.
Attacking midfielder Soares joined Stoke from Crystal Palace for £1.25million in 2008 but has been unable to establish himself in manager Tony Pulis' first team. Following loans at Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday, Soares has headed to Hibs in the hope of playing regular football. He is now hoping for a possible debut for Pat Fenlon's side against Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.
Soares said: "I've been impressed with what I've seen at Hibs so far and now I want to repay the manager's faith in me by delivering some performances in the team. I've settled in quickly and I'll be ready for Rangers, if selected by the manager. I'm really hungry to get my career back on track and to show the Hibs fans what I'm all about."
Centre-back McPake has been struggling with injury over the last 18 months and fallen down the pecking order at the Ricoh Arena, making just three league starts this term. Signed from Livingston in January 2009, McPake has denied reports earlier this month he had handed in a transfer request to Coventry, who are battling for survival in the npower Championship. However he has always stressed his desire for regular first-team football and now links up with Hibs on a deal until 30 June.
McPake said: "I'm really pleased to be on board with Hibs and can't wait to get started - I'll be counting the days until the match at Ibrox. Ever since I moved down the road I've watched a lot of SPL football and cannot believe a club of Hibernian's size are in the position they're in.
In order to get us back on the right track we've got to give everything in every match, something I'm planning to do. That starts at Rangers on Saturday and if I'm selected I will hopefully add a wee bit of steel and commitment to our defence. We need to be harder to break down and I will be doing everything I can to make that happen."
Source: FOOTYMAD
