DEMAND IS HIGH FOR HIBS MIDFIELD MAN

JOHN McGinn returned to pre-season training with Hibernian yesterday as speculation over his future at the club mounted.

The in-demand midfield man was given extra time off t his summer after playing for Scotland in the defeats to Peru and Mexico at the end of last season.

His return coincided with reports of an impending £3 million bid from English Championship side Derby County, with new manager Frank Lampard said to be a huge admirer of the Scotland cap and willing to battle it out with Celtic for his signature.

Birmingham City have also been linked with the player, who Celtic could move f or when Stuart Armstrong completes his switch to Southampton.

H A M I LT O N have announced the signing of midfielder Aaron Smith from Nottingham Forest.

Smith is the third signing in the l ast 24 hours for Accies, who also brought in Tom Taiwo and Mason Bloomfield over the weekend.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder impressed for Forest in the U/23 Premier League but was released at the end of his contract last season.

Accies boss Martin Canning said: “Aaron is one who we t hink has potential and can develop further in our environment.

“He’s got good ability, has goals i n him from midfield and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”