NEIL Lennon believes his club have secured a major coup after completing the signing of Ireland international Daryl Horgan from Preston North End on a three-year deal.

The capital club have been pursuing the 26-year-old winger throughout the summer, with a loan switch from Deepdale initially mooted. However, the £2.75 million sale of John McGinn to Aston Villa meant the club could make it a permanent move and are understood to have paid a six-figure fee for the former Sligo, Cork and Dundalk star.

Horgan becomes Hibs’ second signing since McGinn departed on Thursday evening, with Emerson Hyndman arriving on loan from Bournemouth, and could make his debut against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park today.

“Daryl is one we’ve been keen on for a long time and it’s a real coup to get him over the line,” Lennon said. “He will give us a real threat going forward and some strength out wide. We had been looking to add in that area and I’m delighted with the options we now have.

“He has power and pace and will hopefully give us another dimension to our play in the final third.”

Horgan was equally delighted with the move.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and am excited for his plans for the season ahead,” he said. “I’m ready to play and looking forward to trying to break into the team.”