Mcginn signs for Hibs on a season-long deal to keep up the family tradition

Stephen Mcginn has continued the family dynasty at Easter Road by joining Hibernian on a season-long deal.

The former St Mirrens kipper, pictured, joins brother Paul in Leith and follows his youngest sibling, John, who also shone for the capital club before securing a move to Aston Villa.

The 31-year- old midfielder has been training with Jack Ross’ team since the squad returned for pre-season after being surprisingly released by Buddies boss Jim Goodwin at the end of last term.

And Ross is looking forward to utilising the former Scotland Under -21 player’ s experience and leadership qualities as Hibs aim to build on a positive start to the season.

He said: “For me, Stephen adds a lot to the group and the environment at the training ground. You can never have enough good professionals with leadership qualities and we’ re fortunate, as I’ve said repeatedly, to have a great core of those at Hibernian.”

All th re eMcG inn brothers played for St Mirren at various stages and that feat will now be mirrored at the other end of the M8.

Stephen added :“It means a lot to me to have signed for

Hibernian and it goes without saying that no-one needs to explain the size of the club to me.

“John and Paul have thrived here and it’s a privilege to get the chance to play my part as well.”

Meanwhile, the match between Celtic and Hibs later this month could be used as test event for the return of crowds to football stadia in Scotland.

Aberdeen and Ross County both carried out similar pilot games last weekend, with 300 Dons season-ticket-holders and 300 St aggie sf ans attending their team’ s matches against Kilmarnock and Celtic respectively.

No pilot events are scheduled for this week, but reports suggest the Scottish Government and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) are locked in talks over plans to stage further test matches on the weekend of September 26/27 when Hibs face the Premier ship champion sat Celtic Park.

Only a small number of home fans would be permitted to attend if the green light is given.

First Minister Ni cola Sturgeon and Scotland’ s National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch have both hinted that larger attendances at matches are still some way off.