Stoke's Tom Soares and Coventry's James McPake join Hibs on loan

McPake has had his injury problems while with Coventry

Stoke City midfielder Tom Soares and Coventry City central defender James McPake have signed for Hibernian on loan until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Soares had 150 appearances for Crystal Palace before joining Stoke in September 2008.

McPake, two years older, moved to the Ricoh Arena from Livingston in January 2009 and extended his contract until the summer of 2013 in August.

And both say they are hoping to make their debuts against Rangers.

Injuries have interrupted McPake's time in the Championship and he has only started three matches this term.

"I'm really pleased to be on board with Hibs and can't wait to get started," told Hibs' website.

"Ever since I moved down the road, I've watched a lot of SPL football and I cannot believe a club of Hibernian's size are in the position they're in."

McPake joins a Hibs side that are one point better off than bottom team Dunfermline, having won just once at home in the league this season.

"In order to get us back on the right track, we've got to give everything in every match - something that I'm planning to do," he said.

"That starts at Rangers on Saturday and if I'm selected then I will hopefully add a wee bit of steel and commitment to our defence.

Soares has had few chances to shine in the Stoke first-team

"We need to be harder to break down and I will be doing everything I can to make that happen."

Soares became the third loan signing from English football to arrive at Easter Road since Pat Fenlon took over as manager when his capture was confirmed a couple of hours after that of McPake.

Striker Leigh Griffiths was brought to Hibs by previous manager Colin Calderwood, while defender George Francomb has arrived this month from Norwich City.

Now Soares, who has made only seven appearances for Stoke and had previous loan spells with Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday, is already enjoying his time in Edinburgh.

"I've been impressed with what I've seen at Hibs so far and now I want to repay the manager's faith in me by delivering some performances in the team," said the former England Under-21 international.

"I've settled in quickly and I'll be ready for Rangers, if selected by the manager.

"I'm really hungry to get my career back on track and to show the Hibs fans what I'm all about."