Hibernian have completed the signing of former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack. The 27-year-old had been training with the club since being released by Plymouth Argyle, but a hamstring strain prevented him making any appearances during pre-season.

But that has not put new manager John Hughes off handing him a two-year contract in a bid to provide competition for Yves Ma-Kalambay, following the departure of Grzegorz Szamotulski. "I could see from the moment I arrived at the Hibernian training centre just how massive Hibernian is, and I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to play for this club," Stack told the club's official website. 

"I realise that competition for the goalkeeping slot will not be easy. Yves Ma-Kalambay has established himself here and in Thomas Flynn the club already has a fine young goalkeeper who has just stepped up from the youth side. My aim will be to compete for a first-team place here and show the manager and the supporters that I'm worthy of a regular place in the side."

I'm delighted that Graham has agreed to join us. He is a big, agile lad and has a great deal of confidence in everything he does.
Hibernian manager John Hughes on signing Graham Stack

Hughes added: "I'm delighted that Graham has agreed to join us. A priority when I arrived at Hibernian was finding an experienced goalkeeper to provide competition and I feel we now have that.

"Graham is a player I've been aware of for some time. He has I think exactly the temperament I like to see in a goalkeeper: he is a big, agile lad and has a great deal of confidence in everything he does."

Stack started his football career at Arsenal in 2000. Loan spells at Beveren, Millwall and Reading followed, before he signed a permanent deal with Reading in 2006.

After further loan moves to Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stack joined Plymouth a year ago, making 11 appearances before going on loan to Blackpool and having another short spell at Wolves.