Hibernian manager Lee Johnson is delighted to have bolstered the defensive department of his squad after signing Michael Devlin on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old was a free agent after leaving Fleetwood at the end of January and has been on trial with the Hibees in recent weeks.

After running the rule over Devlin, Johnson has opted to offer the former Aberdeen and Hamilton centre-back a contract and replenish an area of the squad which lost two key men in January following the sale of Ryan Porteous to Watford and injury to Rocky Bushiri.

Devlin – who has been hindered by injuries in recent seasons – will provide competition and cover for veteran Paul Hanlon and young loan pair CJ Egan-Riley and Will Fish.

“We’re delighted to bring Mikey to the club and add depth in our defensive area,” Johnson told Hibs’ website.

“We have been impressed with him in training over the last week, and by bringing him in permanently it gives us the perfect blend at centre-half having two experienced players and two talented youngsters.

“He’s a good character and his experience of Scottish football will benefit the group. We look forward to continuing working with him.”

Devlin could be in the squad for Saturday’s cinch Premiership match at home to Kilmarnock as the Hibees bid to make it six league games in a row unbeaten.