Hibs sign Alan Maybury ahead of derby against Hearts

Maybury is hoping to make his competitive Hibs debut against Hearts

Former Hearts full-back Alan Maybury is relishing a return to Edinburgh derby action after signing a one-year contract with Hibernian.

The 34-year-old could make his debut against the Tynecastle outfit on Sunday following a successful trial period.

"I was hoping we could have got it over the line before the start of the season, but it wasn't possible.

"The way it works out, there is a possibility my first game could be the Edinburgh derby," said Maybury.

"If that's the case, I'll be looking forward to it.

"I'm sure I'll get a little bit of stick, but that's part and parcel of it.

"I played for Hearts a long time ago, I left a long time ago, but I don't think I never gave my all and that's what I've done at every club and what I'll do here.

"Nothing will change and, if selected, I'll give my all for Hibs."

Deegan and manager Pat Fenlon chat during training ahead of Sunday's derby

Dublin-born Maybury, who played 10 times for Republic of Ireland, spent four years at Tynecastle from 2001 before leaving for Leicester City.

He was back in Scottish Premier League action on loan with Aberdeen and then for the last two seasons with St Johnstone but had a nervous wait to find out if Hibs could afford to offer him a deal following his release from McDiarmid Park.

"I've been in training with Hibs all summer," he said. "I first got the opportunity to come in and train with no promises.

"Then things start shifting and players move on and they say they might be able to do something.

"Then I went on tour and played a few games and I was more hopeful."

Now Maybury is poised to make his debut along with compatriot Gary Deegan, the midfielder signed from Coventry City, as Hibs look to avenge their 5-1 hammering by Hearts in last season's Scottish Cup final and end a run of 11 derbies without a win.

"There are one or two like Deegan who will add a freshness, who just want to go out and play, which should help us," he added.

"It's a new era, they are trying to do things differently here and bring in players.

"The lads who were here from the Cup final have spoken about their determination about making sure it doesn't happen again."