Leicester city defender joins Hibs on loan

Hibs have signed Darnell Johnson on loan from Leicester City until the end of the season.

The highly-rated 20-year-old offers added competition at centre-back following the news that Ryan Porteous has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

He can also be deployed at right-back.

Johnson has been capped by England at every age group from Under-16 to Under-20 and was part of the side that won the Under-19 Euros in 2017.

He played for the Leicester first-team throughout their pre-season preparations before being rewarded with a new three-year deal.

The godson of former Three Lions striker Emile Heskey, Johnson was excited by the opportunity to continue his development at Easter Road. He said: “I’ve had a great grounding at Leicester City and with the England youth international sides but now I’m really hungry to prove myself at first-team level. “I’ve done my research and I know about Hibernian’s reputation for giving young players a chance.

“I hope I’m the next one to make a name for myself here. I can’t wait to get started in training on Friday, meet everyone and do whatever it takes to try and win a place in the team.”

The move is subject to international clearance.