Allan seals summer move to Hibs on three-year deal

CELTIC midfielder Scott Allan will head back to Hibernian for a third stint this summer after sealing his Easter Road return on a pre-contract agreement. It ends a frustrating four-year stay at Parkhead for the 27-year-old. Allan has signed a three-year deal to begin in July, although it remains to be seen if Hibs boss Neil Lennon can persuade Brendan Rodgers to part with the playmaker earlier than planned. For now, the ex-Celtic manager is just happy to have secured Allan’s services for next season. ‘It’s no secret that Scott is a player I admire and wanted back at Hibernian,’ he told the club’s official website. ‘He’s a player who suits the attacking brand of football we like to play. The type that gets supporters off their seats. We’re looking forward to having him back.’ Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster added: ‘It goes without saying that he’s a player our supporters hold in the highest regard and we were determined to bring him back to Easter Road. ‘It’s an arena and a club that brings out the best in Scott and, from speaking to him, it’s clear that it means a lot to him.’ Allan has made just three first-team starts and come off the bench 14 times for Celtic — and was sent to Rotherham and Dundee on loan before making a temporary move back to Easter Road last January. He has not played for Celtic this season and does not look like featuring again. Just before the news broke, Rodgers admitted Allan found it hard to break into his double Treble-winning side. ‘Scott Allan has been unfortunate for his time here,’ said the Parkhead boss. ‘He’s a player that I’ve really liked. Unfortunately, when he was out on loan, we did very well, as did he when he was out. He came back in the summer after two seasons of success (for Celtic). It’s been very difficult for him to break in, nothing to do with his training, his attitude has been first-class. He is at the age now where he just wants to play football.’