Hibernian have added some much-needed depth on the left side with the acquisition of free agent Nicky Cadden, who has signed a three-year deal following the expiration of his contract with League One side Barnsley. 

The Scottish Premiership side have been short of options following the departure of Lewis Stevenson in the summer and Oscar MacIntyre's loan to Queen of the South but the twin brother of Easter Road right-back Chris can cover left-back, left-midfield, and left-wing, providing back-up and competition for full-back Jordan Obita as well as offering head coach David Gray further options in other formations.

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Speaking to HibsTV, Cadden said: "When a club like Hibs comes calling, it is a big deal. I am delighted to get it done, I just want to train hard now and push my way into the team.

“After I left Barnsley, I was a free agent and there were a few things on the go. But I spoke to the gaffer, people around the club and obviously my brother Chris – he was convincing me to go - and Hibs pushed the boat out to get me, so I am buzzing with it.

“I know a lot about Hibs – I have been in Scotland for a lot of my career so I know how big a club Hibs is. Chris told me how great the facilities are, how good the manager is, and once I spoke to the gaffer I just wanted to get it done."

Cadden is also looking forward to sharing a pitch with his brother on the same side for the first time in their careers. 

“It is going to be a massive thing," he added. "We always spoke about it; it was something we wanted to do at some point in our career. We are in this profession where it is difficult to get to the top-level and first-team level, so to do that with your brother will be an emotional moment and I am sure our mum and dad will be quite happy.

“You always want to beat your brother - sibling rivalry is always good, isn’t it?! We always had that, but at the end of the day, you always want the best for each other. If he is doing well, I couldn’t be happier for him and he couldn’t be happier for me – so it is a win-win on both sides.”

Like his sibling, Cadden started his career with Motherwell but left to join Airdrie without making a first-team appearance for the Steelmen. His performances for the Diamonds led to a move to Livingston, whom he helped climb the divisions from League One to the Premiership in successive seasons. During the 2018/19 season, he spent time with Ayr United on loan before joining Greenock Morton permanently in the summer of 2019 scoring ten goals in 30 appearances. 

Cadden then made the move south with Forest Green Rovers, helping them win the title and making the EFL League Two Team of the Year and the PFA League Two Team of the Year for 2021/22. He was offered a new contract at the New Lawn but joined Barnsley on a two-year deal.

“Nicky is a player I have always admired; he brings great quality, consistency and is a top professional, so I am delighted to bring him in," Gray said. 

“He knows the Scottish game, he has a great delivery into the box, and has contributed goals and assists everywhere he has been. I am confident he will slot nicely into the dressing room straight away.”

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “Nicky is an extremely versatile player that will give David different options across the midfield and at left-back as well. He has good experience of the Scottish game and even more importantly, he is another good character to add to the dressing room. We are really pleased to bring him to the club.”