James Keatings Crosses Edinburgh Divide To Join Hibs
Photo by Jeff Holmes
Former Hearts striker James Keatings has crossed the Edinburgh divide after signing for the Jambos' city rivals Hibernian.
The 23-year-old was released by Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson but has now decided to join the Gorgie side's neighbours.
And after contributing to back-to-back promotions with former club Hamilton and then Hearts, he is now aiming to notch up his hat-trick.
Keatings told Hibs TV: I'm delighted to sign for the club and I definitely believe Hibs can go up as champions next season.
I saw the quality in the team whenever I played against them last season and Hibs probably deserved more than they achieved.
But there's a new season coming up now and I'll be aiming to make it three promotions for me and I'm sure the club will be targeting that too."
Keatings says the prospect of working with head coach Alan Stubbs proved to be a pivotal factor in his decision to move to Easter Road.
He added: I had other options to go elsewhere and to play in the Premiership.
But one of the big factors that persuaded me to come here was the manager and I believe he can make me become a much better player."
Keatings' acquisition follows the news that Hibs midfielder Fraser Fyvie has agreed a new two-year deal six months after joining from Wigan.
Now Stubbs hopes his latest recruit will add extra goals to his squad's promotion challenge.
Stubbs said: James will bring goals to the team and we're delighted to add him to the squad.
It's an area where I thought we did well last season, but it's also an area where we can improve.
His goalscoring record speaks for itself - he's got a good habit of being in the right place at the right time.
We want competition for places and we want to score lots of goals. We're delighted to sign James and the fact he wanted to come here.
The fact we've got this deal done and Fraser's new contract is a positive sign about how we want to drive the club forward."