Steven Whittaker rejoins Hibs

Steven Whittaker has clinched his return to Hibernian after penning a three-year-deal, the Easter Road club have announced.

The 31-cap Scotland defender started his career in Leith, helping the capital club win the League Cup back in 2007.

He signed for Rangers later that year and added three Scottish league titles, two Scottish Cups and another three League Cup winners' medals to his collection.

But the Light Blues' financial meltdown saw him quit Ibrox in 2012 as he then joined Norwich, where he racked up more than 100 appearances during a five-year stint at Carrow Road before making his exit this summer.

Hibs boss Neil Lennon has hailed the capture of the 33-year-old a significant coup'' but Whittaker admitted Leith was always his preferred destination.

The veteran full-back said: I am delighted to be back at Hibernian. When I decided to return to Scotland, Hibernian was the club I hoped to come to.

While the discussions have taken a while, they have always been positive and I am very pleased to be back playing at Easter Road for the Hibernian fans, and I hope I can play my part in ensuring a successful return to the top flight.''

Whittaker's move is still subject to international clearance so he will not be part of Lennon's squad for Saturday's opening Betfred Cup clash with Montrose.