Smith spent four years at Fir Park before moving to England's south coast

Hibernian have signed former Rangers and Motherwell goalkeeper Graeme Smith until the end of next season following his release from Brighton.

Smith, 26, who began his career at Rangers, spent four years at Fir Park before joining the English League One side in the summer on a two-year deal.

"I am delighted to be joining Hibernian," he told the club website.

"Everything about the club is exciting - the gaffer, the training facilities, the results and the team on the park."

Smith played more than 130 times for Motherwell between 2005 and 2009 but failed to establish himself at the Seagulls.

And he added of his move to Leith: "I want to be part of it, and will be working as hard as I can to get into the team on a regular basis."

The Easter Road side are awaiting international clearance which would allow the player to be in the squad to face Edinburgh rivals Hearts on Sunday.

Manager John Hughes, who is without regular number one Graham Stack through injury, said: "Graeme is an experienced SPL keeper and provides us with another excellent option in goal.

"I want competition for all positions at this club and Graeme has the right character and skills to play a key part in helping us build success for Hibernian."

The arrival of Smith raises doubts over the long-term future of error-prone goalie Yves Ma-Kalambay, who is out of contract in the summer.

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