Hibernian can confirm that Shefki Kuqi has become the club's eighth summer signing.

The former Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United target man, 35, agreed a one year contract today.

The big striker who was invited to attend Sunday's Edinburgh Derby admits the atmosphere blew him away.

Kuqi said: "That was my first taste of Scottish football and I was overwhelmed by the passion and enthusiasm shown by the Hibernian supporters.

"Even when Hibernian went a goal down, the crowd kept backing the team and were rewarded with a good performance - that definitely impressed me.

"If the players and supporters can work together then I believe we can enjoy some good times at Hibernian and I'm excited about the next challenge in my career.

"I've played all around Europe and in some top leagues such as the Premiership in England and now I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing in the SPL.

"The Hibernian team is still developing and I'm excited about using the experience I've gained to help the team get to where we need to be."

A former Finland internationalist - Kuqi has been capped 62 times - the ex-Oldham striker hopes he can make an impact at Easter Road.

"Hopefully the supporters will recognise that I will give my all for the benefit of the team and that I will score some goals."

Boss Pat Fenlon says he was pleased to conclude the transfer and believes Kuqi's arrival will give the squad a massive boost.

Fenlon said: "We pinpointed the forward department as an area that urgently needed strengthening, but it was crucial that we made the right signing.

"With Shefki, what you see is what you get - he is an old fashioned target man, who can hold the ball up and get his head on the end of corners.

"He offers us something totally different to what we had before and his wealth of knowledge will not only help the team right away, but also help the development of our young strikers such as Ross Caldwell and Danny Handling.

"He is yet another strong-minded player and a good character, who will have a massive part to play for us this season."

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New signing Shefki Kuqi will be speaking to Hibernian TV later on today about his mindset towards playing for the Hibees and spearheading the team's new-look forward line.

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