Richie Towell makes Hibs loan move

Hibernian have signed highly rated Irish youth international Richie Towell on loan from Celtic, and he may find himself thrown straight into the deep end for tonight's SPL clash with Rangers.

Dublin born Towell has been a regular on the Celtic bench this season and made his debut in a 2-2 draw with Inverness in November. The former Crumlin United player can operate in defence or midfield and has been signed until the end of the current season.

"I want to make an impact in the team and help Hibernian climb up the table," said the 19-year-old. "It would be brilliant to make my debut against Rangers. Games don't come any bigger than that. The time with Hibernian will be massive for my development. I trained for the first time with the squad and everything is really positive."

Hibs manager Colin Calderwood said: "Richie caught our attention when we played against Celtic in a bounce match. He will help to freshen up our squad and will be a good addition between now and the end of the season."

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Stokes makes Celtic switch

Hibernian have agreed a fee with Celtic for Ireland striker Anthony Stokes, according to Sky Sports News.

Neil Lennon admitted he was keen to bring the former Sunderland man to Celtic Park earlier this week and could be getting his man by Monday.

Dublin born Stokes, who scored 23 goals last season, turned out during Hib's 1-0 defeat to St Mirren on Sunday and his manager John Hughes believed the unfolding transfer affected the stikers' performance.

"I felt he was poor, but I can understand it with everything on his mind," said Hughes.

"Sometimes you play on emotions and if it was to be his last game I thought he might go out with a bang, but it didn't materialise."