CHRIS Humphrey is hungry to secure another promotion after joining Hibernian just in time for their eagerly anticipated Championship encounter with Dundee United.
The former Motherwell winger joined Hibs just as Neil Lennon’s side knocked United off top spot last weekend, and he is in the squad for Friday’s Easter Road clash.
The match is close to selling out and Humphrey was tempted by the title race as he ended a three-and-a-half-year spell at Preston, whom he helped to League One play-off success in 2015.
Humphrey said: “I’m excited to be at a massive club. When they said they were interested it was a no-brainer.
“Friday is a massive game and if we can go four points clear that will be amazing. There’s 18,000 going and my family are coming up and it’s on TV. These are the games you want to play in.
“I got promotion with Preston so the fact I could maybe get another one made my mind up as well straight away. I would love to get another promotion.”
Humphrey made 133 appearances for Preston but a fractured shin cut last season short for him and, after making his comeback, he lost his place in the team in the final two months of 2016.
However, he comes back to Scotland a more rounded player than the one who left Fir Park in the summer of 2013.
“I am older, wiser and more experienced, and hopefully I can bring that to the team,” said the 29-year-old, who declared himself open to the idea of staying at Hibs beyond the end of the season.
“I played quite a few positions at Preston: Right-back, right wing-back, right wing, right of a three. As you get older you have to learn different positions and hopefully that experience can add to the team.”
Humphrey’s form at Motherwell almost tempted Lennon to make a move for him earlier in his career.
“We looked at him at Motherwell in my time at Celtic,” Lennon said. “He has done pretty well at Preston so we are hoping he can come here and fulfil the potential he has got.
“At times we play a bit narrow with the diamond, so Chris will give us something else to contemplate.”
Humphrey bolsters an injury-hit midfield but John McGinn could also be back after ankle surgery, while goalkeeper Ofir Marciano is pushing for a return from a knee operation.
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