We are delighted to announce that Hibernian youngsters Josh O’Connor and Murray Aiken will join the Diamonds on loan for season 2023/24.

The Easter Road prospects, both 18, have today signed new contracts with the Premiership club in the face of high-level interest from south of the border, and both will continue their development with a season-long loan at the Excelsior.

Lightning-fast striker O’Connor is following in his father Garry’s footsteps by rising to prominence at Hibs, where he has already featured for the first-team.

Versatile midfielder Aiken has been with Hibs since the age of ten, and has also made the breakthrough with the first-team as well as winning the CAS Elite Youth League and the cinch Reserve League.

Josh and Murray both also featured in Hibs’ superb run to the UEFA Youth League play-offs.

We look forward to welcoming both players to pre-season training subject to SFA approval, and we would like to place on record our gratitude to Academy Director Steve Kean and everyone at Hibernian for making the move possible.

Welcome to the Diamonds, boys!