Hughes confirms Brown signing

Hibernian manager John Hughes toasted a perfect week with an injury-time 2-1 win against St Mirren and the capture of goalkeeper Mark Brown from Celtic.

The Edinburgh outfit moved three points clear of Dundee United in third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League - with a game in hand over their Tayside rivals - thanks to an injury-time own goal from Jack Ross.

Hughes also confirmed his club had secured Brown, 28, on a two-and-a-half-year deal for no fee after his release from Celtic, and said: "We have signed Mark Brown from Celtic. He is a guy that, once again, has got the best years in front of him."

He added: "I'm absolutely delighted to get him, the experience of being at Celtic will have helped him. I think I'm bringing in a real top-class 'keeper. The goalkeeping position has caused me concern, but they can all now go and fight for the jersey."

Brown is certainly moving to a team on form. After also beating Hamilton last weekend, Hibs have now racked up nine points in seven days to leave them just two points behind second-placed Celtic - prompting Hughes to hail the character of his charges.

While feeling for his ex-Falkirk defender Ross, who headed Ian Murray's cross into his own net, he said: "Good on the boys, it shows they kept going for it, showing spirit and character.

"The way it came about was a bit fortunate, you don't wish that on any team so I feel for St Mirren.

"But in the second half I felt we possibly merited the victory.

"It has been a hard week for us. I said to the boys that Wednesday's result meant nothing unless we won today and thankfully we did.

"Winning is a culture you are trying to set and it's coming. All credit to the boys, they have given me everything this week. I'm delighted for them, everyone played their part."