New Hibernian signing Edwin de Graaf has revealed how former Rangers striker Michael Mols was instrumental in persuading him to move to Easter Road.

The 30-year-old midfielder joined the Leith club earlier in the month on a two-year deal.

"When I found Hibernian were interested, I called him and asked what should I do?" De Graaf said of Mols.

"And he told me that, after Rangers and Celtic, Hibs are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland."

The experience of close friend Mols - and chats with Hibs manager John Hughes - convinced De Graaf to head for Easter Road after leaving NAC Breda.

"When I knew Hibernian were interested at the end of last season, I came over to the Motherwell versus Hibernian at Fir Park, the 6-6 game," De Graaf said.

Everyone that I spoke to told me that Scottish football was the type of football that I like to play Hibernian midfielder Edwin de Graaf

"It was a crazy game, but I spoke to the manager, who gave me a good feeling about playing for the club.

"But I had been in Scotland before to see some Glasgow Rangers games with Michael Mols.

"A few seasons ago, I watched Rangers versus Hearts at Ibrox, when Ronald Waterreus was in goals, Buffel was in midfield and Jan Wouters was the assistant coach, and I also saw a Rangers game against Celtic at Hampden.

"Michael was a couple of years out of Scotland by the time he came back, but the fans showed him a lot of respect and the passion was so high that I said that I wanted to play in Scotland.

"I will invite Michael over to see me play for Hibernian and of course he will want to see us play against Rangers."

The former Breda captain, who has played for Netherlands' B team, believes his style of midfield play is more Scottish Premier League than Eredivisie.

"I think that playing in Scotland will be good for me because I am a player who works very hard and I can play box to box," said De Graaf. "Everyone in Holland knows me as a player like that.

"People were surprised that I signed for Hibernian because it was never mentioned in the media. People thought I was staying, or going to play in Germany or the USA.

Mols (left) ended his playing career with Feyenoord

"But everyone that I spoke to told me that Scottish football was the type of football that I like to play and that it would be great for me.

"Maybe in Holland they play better football, but the passion for the game is higher in Scotland than in Holland."

De Graaf, however, has another reason for thinking that Hibs will suit his game.

"Everyone in Holland knows that in Scotland the players fight for 90 minutes but they play a lot of long balls, whereas in Holland we play combinations via the midfielders," he said.

"But the Hibs coach wants to play the European way, so we will see."

De Graaf is aware that Hughes is looking for his experience to complement a youthful Hibernian squad.

"My experience is one of the reasons they brought me here," said the midfielder.

"I am 30 years old, I was captain of my old team for three years and was always coaching on the pitch.

"I have played in the Europa League, I have played for Feyenoord, so I hope I can bring some experience to the younger guys."

Meanwhile, Scotland Under-19 defender Scott Smith and midfielder Scott Taggart, both 18, have signed two-year contract extensions with Hibs.

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