Paul Cairney thanks Partick Thistle bosses as he completes switch to Hibs

Jul 2 2012 By Fraser Wilson

Paul Cairney

PAUL CAIRNEY has paid tribute to Partick Thistle bosses Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly after sealing his dream move to the SPL this week.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who's contract had expired, has penned a two-year deal with the Hibees and joined up with his new team mates in Leith today.

It brings to an end a four-year spell with Thistle in which Cairney scored 20 goals in just over 100 appearances including a hat-trick in his farewell appearance against Dundee.

The former Queen's Park youngster was signed by Ian McCall in 2008 and quickly developed into a star performer in the heart of the Jags midfield.

And he believes McNamara's decision to move him further forward last season allowed him to show his real potential.

Cairney said: "I had four great years with Partick and to finish with a hat-trick against Dundee was great. I have to thank the gaffer and Simon Donnelly.

"They moved me from left midfield to a central role and allowed me to push further forward and I think I benefited from that."

Cairney was a man in demand through the summer months with Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Derby County all showing an interest in the energetic central midfielder.

But Hibs were always frontrunners for his signature and he described the move as the "highlight of his career".

He told the Hibs website: "I want to show the Hibs fans what I'm all about by working hard and playing my part in helping the team to achieve success.

"Hibs are a massive club; everything is in place for us to kick on and have a strong season. I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure that happens and I'm really excited about the future."