MIDDLESBROUGH defender Jonathan Grounds has joined Scottish Premier League side Hibernian on loan until January 29.

The 22-year-old, who signed a new two-year contract with Boro in June, will hope to make his Hibs debut in their next fixture, against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday September 11 at Easter Road.

Thornaby-born Grounds made 20 league appearances for Boro last season but his only action this time around has been 90 minutes in the Carling Cup victory at Chesterfield.

Grounds’ team-mates at Easter Road will include Middlesbrough-born Chris Hogg.