New Hibs signing Marc McNulty wants to repay Jack Ross and John Potter’s faith in him after they took the striker on loan for a second time.
McNulty is back at Easter Road for a second loan spell, a year after first joining the Hibees on a temporary basis from Reading.
A permanent deal couldn’t be done in the summer, allowing Ross to nip in and take McNulty to Sunderland for the season.
However, Ross was sacked in October and McNulty found himself out of the team under replacement Phil Parkinson.
A desire to return to Hibs was reciprocated by the club, but Parkinson was insistent the striker remain at the Stadium of Light as cover.
Things changed yesterday however after Sunderland agreed a deal with Bristol City for Antione Semenyo, freeing up McNulty to make the move back to his hometown club after an agreement was reached with parent club reading.
“I’m delighted to be back,” said the 27-year-old. “Anyone who knows me knows how much I enjoyed my time at Hibs last season and how much I wanted to come back, so I’m grateful the people at the club pushed so hard to make it happen.
“It makes a difference knowing I’ll be playing for two guys who have already shown how much they want me and I’m looking forward to getting the chance to repay them.
“I also want to thank the supporters. From the day I left first time around I’ve had so many positive messages on social media. People probably don’t understand how much that can mean to a player.
“I’m desperate to be involved as soon as possible and help the team push on.”
McNulty’s confirmation means Florian Kamberi’s loan switch to Rangers can now go ahead, with midfielder Greg Docherty coming in the opposite direction along the M8 to boost Hibs’ numbers in midfield.
