Grounds made 15 appearances for Hibernian

Jonathan Grounds' loan spell at Hibs has come to a premature end, with the defender returning to Middlesbrough.

The 22-year-old arrived at Easter Road on 31 August and had agreed a deal to stay until 29 January.

The left-back, who can also play in central defence, made 15 appearances for the Edinburgh club, scoring once.

Meanwhile, Hibs have agreed a new contract with midfielder Lewis Horner, an 18-year-old who has been on the substitutes' bench this season.

Grounds was near to ever-present under Hibs boss Colin Calderwood, who arrived at the club after the loan deal was arranged.

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Ian Murray, Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson all have experience at left-back, while youngster Callum Booth was recently recalled from his loan period at Brechin City.

Calderwood has also lost central defender Sol Bamba, who was sold to Leicester City last week.

Grounds' return to Teesside coincides with a possible transfer for David Wheater, who was left out of the team at the weekend due to talks over a move.

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