Garry O'Connor has been given a path back to Scottish football by signing with Hibernian.
The 28-year old striker kicked off his career at Easter Road back in 2000, developing into an accomplished goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League before moving onto Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow.
Since then, however, he has a spate of injury problems and has failed to find himself at home with either Birmingham City or Barnsley, where he left at the end of last season.
But O'Connor has signed a one-year deal with Hibs and has now vowed to repay the faith shown by manager Colin Calderwood.
"I'm delighted to be coming back home to play for Hibernian," he said.
"I'm just so happy at this moment in time - this is where it all began for me.
"Ever since I left to go to Russia, I've always wanted to return at some point and I can't wait to play at Easter Road again.
"I'm really excited about what I can achieve with Hibernian and I'm aiming to repay the faith shown in me from the manager by scoring goals and helping the team to succeed.
"Hibernian is a special club with phenomenal fans - they gave me my big break in the game and now I want to give them something back.
"I wanted to come back to Hibernian for a reason - my love for the club.
"I think they are going to get the best out of me.
"I'm still quite young, but I've also now got lots of experience from playing in the English Premier League, the Championship and also in Russia.
"Hopefully I can bring some excitement to the team. I'll certainly be trying my hardest in every game.
"I've never played with as much passion and commitment as I did when I pulled on the Hibs jersey.
"Hopefully I can help to lead the team and make sure that everyone plays with that same level of passion and excitement next season."
