Macey delighted to sign new two-year deal as keeper says Hibs have ‘real hunger’ to reach cup final

Hibs have agreed a twoyear deal with goalkeeper Matt Macey, the club have announced.

The former Arsenal stopper joined the Premiership side in the January transfer window on a short-term deal after previous back-up Dillon Barnes was surprisingly recalled by parent club Queens Park Rangers.

Macey has played five times in relief of long-term No 1 Ofir Marciano, including every round of the Scottish Cup thus far as Hibs have advanced to the semi-finals.

The 26-year-old told the club website: “I am absolutely loving playing for Hibs.

"I feel like I've settled in really well and that's a credit to the staff and the players. Everyone around the club made me feel comfortable and within two or three days, I played against Celtic. After a few training sessions I felt really happy and I've kicked on since.

"I'm enjoying it and I'm really happy."

On the team’s hopes of going one better in their third trip to Hampden this season, he added: “From what I’ve seen, there is a real hunger, a massive hunger from the boys to put that right this time around. The boys are hugely motivated.”

The decision to re-sign the 6ft 7in custodian comes after a contract of the same length was given to youngster Kevin Dabrowski.

It appears the two will battle for the No 1 position going forward with Marciano leaving Easter Road when his contract expires this summer.

Manager Jack Ross said: “I’m really pleased because he’s made a brilliant impression since he came.

"When he came here in January, we both understood it was an opportunity for him to impress us and for us to assess him and he’s settled in really well.

“He’s been really good in training and he’s been terrific in the games he’s played as well, so he’s excited.

"For him to grasp that opportunity, looking forward to the end of this season and into next season, is great.

"Obviously with Ofir leaving it puts us in a good position as well.”

Macey was a six-figure signing from Bristol Rovers in 2013, though he played just twice for Arsenal’s first team.

He also spent time on loan at Lutontown,accringtonstanley and Plymouth Argyle.