Hibernian head coach Alan Stubbs has confirmed he expects teenage striking prodigy Jack McBean to arrive at Easter Road next week.

McBean, 19, is currently training with English Championship outfit Charlton as he attempts to win a move to British football from MLS champions Los Angeles Galaxy.

However, he is scheduled to arrive north of the border for a trial period next week as Stubbs eyes January reinforcements to bolster Hibs' push for promotion.

McBean, who has been capped at under-17 and under-19 level for the United States national side, was tipped for stardom in 2011 after making his debut at the age of 16.

However, his progress has stalled in recent seasons as he struggled to displace Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane from the staring XI.

At the height of the hype surrounding the young forward, former national boss Craig Levein - now director of football at Hearts - was reportedly keen for McBean to switch his allegiance to Scotland.

Stubbs said: "Jack is due to come in, although he has not trained with us yet. Something could change and plans could change, but at the moment he is due to have a spell here.

"His availability has been brought to our attention and we have watched him. We know he has been at one or two other clubs and we were keen to explore that avenue."

Stubbs has already run the rule over IFK Gothenburg goalkeeper Marcus Sandberg earlier this month and admits he is keen to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

He continued: "We are always looking to improve the squad in every department we can. You have to explore every avenue during the summer window and in January.

"With January approaching, we are no different from every other team in the division - we all want to strengthen in some sort of capacity for the second half of the season."

Meanwhile, Stubbs admits he is sweating over the fitness of vice-captain David Gray ahead of tomorrow afternoon's Championship trip to Raith Rovers.

The experienced defender limped out of the 2-0 win against Alloa last week with a groin complaint and Stubbs will make a decision on his availability this morning.

Callum Booth, who replaced Gray last weekend, is on standby to start at Stark's Park, with Lewis Stevenson likely to switch to right-back.

Stubbs continued: "David will be a late decision and, knowing David and the kind of person he is, I've no doubt he will be desperate to give himself every opportunity to be fit for Saturday.

"We will look to do fitness test on Friday and, although I wouldn't say I am 100 per cent confident, I am hopeful."