Hibernian are delighted to confirm the signing of Ryan Gauld on loan from Sporting Lisbon until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old playmaker rose to prominence after making his Dundee United first-team breakthrough at the age of 16 and scored his first senior goal within a year.

By 18 his obvious potential had been noted by Portuguese powerhouses Sporting Lisbon, who beat off competition from a host of prominent European clubs to sign the one-time Scotland Under-21 international.

That move, in July 2014, saw the player step out of any perceived comfort zone to try and prove himself in an elite environment that helped mould the careers of Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, amongst others.

Occasional first-team outings were followed by successful subsequent loan spells with Vitoria de Setubal, Aves and most recently Farense.

Ryan returns to Scotland a better player – physically, tactically and technically – than the one who caught the imagination as a fresh-faced teenager.

He said: “I’ve been aware that Hibs were keen to get me in the door as soon as possible and that made me feel really wanted. It played a big part in my decision.

“The manager told me to come here and show everyone what I can do, to go and try to add quality to the team.”

Head Coach Neil Lennon is pleased to have landed a player that has been on his radar for some time and added: “Ryan’s got good vision and sees things quickly. He’s got football intelligence and we want to utilise that.

“Ryan may see the runs that others don’t. I’m really excited to see what he can bring to the team.”

Everyone at Hibernian is grateful to our counterparts at Sporting Lisbon and Ryan’s representative for ensuring the arrangement was concluded quickly and to everyone’s satisfaction.

Ryan’s first interview as a Hibernian player is available to watch on Hibs TV as well as the club’s YouTube channel.

The deal is subject to international clearance.

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