Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall has become Lee Johnson’s first signing as Hibernian manager.
The 37-year-old had been lined up on a pre-contract by predecessor Shaun Maloney but Johnson has now given the move his blessing and the formalities of a two-year deal have been completed within days of his appointment last week.
Marshall, the Tartan Army’s hero for the penalty save that sent the nation to Euro 2020, finished this season at QPR, having joined the English Championship side on a short-term deal after falling down the pecking order at Derby County.
Having been Scotland’s first-choice keeper at the Euros last summer, a lack of game-time at club level since has cost Marshall his international place and he will now battle it out with new city rival Craig Gordon at Hearts for the right to be Steve Clarke’s number one.
The 37-year-old was a Celtic and Hull City team-mate of Maloney’s but Johnson has revealed he is a long-term admirer of the 47-times capped custodian.
He said: “I’d like to offer David a very warm welcome. He’s an excellent goalkeeper and actually a player that I’ve tried to sign before.
“His experience will be invaluable for us both on and off the pitch.
“It’s vital that our senior players aren’t just great characters, but also help us set the standard around the training ground and on match days.
“He is a fantastic addition to this squad, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Former Arsenal youngster Matt Macey established himself as Hibs' number one this season but, with strong competition from Kevin Dabrowski, came in for criticism for some performances during a difficult season for the Easter Road outfit.
Johnson will be hoping that Marshall’s arrival on July 1 when his QPR deal ends will be the first of many new signings this summer.
Ian Gordon, Hibs’ head of recruitment and owner Ron Gordon’s son, added: “We have a young, talented, ambitious team, but we know that if we want to be successful we need to have a good balance in terms of experience and leadership, and David Marshall fits that mould perfectly.
“He is a real professional, who will push on the other keepers and really help accelerate the development of our younger goalkeepers like Murray Johnson.”
Meanwhile, Hibs remain in discussions with former Aberdeen, Livingston and Hearts defender Jamie McAllister over the assistant-manager’s role at Easter Road.
