Five youngsters get Easter Road deals

HIBERNIAN back-up goalkeeper Paul Grant is among five youth team players that have been handed new 12-month contracts. The 19-year-old shot-stopper became manager Pat Fenlon’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Mark Brown after Graham Stack picked up a season-ending thigh injury during the memorable Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen last month.

Defender Jordon Forster, who had been on loan at Berwick Rangers, and midfielders Harry Monaghan, David Gold and Dean Horribine have also extended their respective deals following confirmation of the new SPL Under-20 set-up.

Head of Academy coaching James McDonaugh said: “It’s great news and I’m really pleased all five are on board for next season. They have all made progress and their efforts merited another year. The Under-20 team is an ideal stepping stone towards the first-team squad and gives them the ideal environment to continue their development.”