While they may not be like-for-like replacements for recent departures, John Collins is confident his new signings will do a job for Hibs

Five new faces
Hibs may have lost some high profile players but manager John Collins believes he has made up for their loss by bringing in five players capable of thrilling the Easter Road fans. Collins is pleased with the way his new-look squad is shaping up after he was faced with a massive rebuilding job. The CIS Insurance Cup winners watched as Scott Brown and Chris Killen both left for Celtic, Michael Stewart rejoined Hearts and Ivan Sproule signing for Bristol City. This left glaring gaps in the Hibs squad just ahead of the new season. But with a manager not short of contacts after playing for Celtic, Monaco, Everton and Fulham, it does not take long to secure a new spine to Collins' team. Former York striker Clayton Donaldson and ex-Motherwell midfielder Brian Kerr were signed on pre-contract agreements, before three more new faces arrived this week. Irish winger Alan O'Brien signed from Newcastle, Germany Under-21 defender Torben Joneleit is on a year-long loan from Monaco and Belgian goalkeeper Yves Makabu-Ma-Kalambay moved north from Chelsea.

Collins is pleased with his signings and said: "We needed five new players to boost the squad. The most pleasing aspect for me is that we've managed to cover every department, the spine of the team - a goalkeeper, centre-half, central midfielder, striker and a winger. We've brought in Brian Kerr, a terrific passer of the ball and we'll try and get some goals out of him. My target was pace up front, it gives you options from midfield, and the two players we've added up top have pace which is a bonus. We were also looking for a big 'keeper to come and take crosses. We identified Yves in January and we're delighted to have him on board. Although it's always sad to see top players sold, hopefully the new players can get the fans excited. We've got young players and they are all hungry to prove themselves. People say we've not got enough experience, but what you get with young players with talent is hunger and desire. They have it all to prove."

Collins hopes the arrival of Makabu-Ma-Kalambay can finally solve Hibs problems at the very back. Last season was blighted by high-profile errors made by Zibi Malkowski, Simon Brown and Andy McNeil. Six foot five Makabu-Ma-Kalambay failed to make a first-team breakthrough due to fierce competition at Stamford Bridge but Collins promised: "Yves will get his opportunity - I think he is ready for first-team football now. We had some problems last year, but it's gone now. Goalkeeper is an important part of the team, it's as important as a centre-forward - both can win you matches."

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