Demetri Mitchell 'pushed for Hibs move' as Shaun Maloney dismisses idea of added pressure on former Hearts loanee

Not unheard of, of course. James Keatings helped Hearts to the Scottish Championship title before shifting to the other side of the city and winning another second-tier title and the Scottish Cup with Hibs.

Adam Eckersley, Fraser Mullen, Alan Maybury, Darren Jackson, Michael Stewart, and Paul Hartley have all made similar journeys in the last 30 years while Josh Doig famously swapped Hearts for Hibs at youth level before going on to become an established member of the Easter Road first team.

Demetri Mitchell, who has joined Hibs on a two-and-a-half year deal from Blackpool after previously spending time on loan at Tynecastle, is therefore one of a select group.

One who, Shaun Maloney has revealed, was desperate to return to the Capital.

"Demetri made a big push to come here,” he said as he previewed Wednesday night’s trip to Motherwell.

“I respect Blackpool for the help they have given in getting it through over the last couple of days, but Demetri made clear his desire to come here."

Maloney isn’t fussed about Mitchell’s previous clubs, instead pointing out that he has been chasing a player in the 25-year-old’s mould since his arrival last month.

“Demetri’s attributes were something I wanted pretty early when I got here so I was really glad that we got him so quickly,” the Hibs boss added.

“For it to happen in this window, I’m really positive about that. I’ve got no reservations at all about him playing for Hearts.”

He was quick to play down any fears that the former England Under-20 cap might get a rough ride from some members of the support, especially if his Easter Road career takes a while to get going.

"Our fans have been really, really supportive since I’ve been here,” Maloney said.

“I think it’s a little