Hibernian sign Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Grounds

Grounds spent most of the last two season on loan at Norwich City

Hibernian have signed the Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Grounds on loan until January 2011.

The 22-year-old left-back recently signed a contract extension with Boro until the end of season next season.

Grounds spent most of the last two seasons on loan at Norwich, where he played a more central defensive role.

"I'm keen to get playing for Hibernian," Grounds told the Hibs website. "It looks like an exciting league and a great club to be part of."

Hibs manager John Hughes said: "Jonathan is a talented player we've kept tabs on for a while now and I'm delighted to have secured his services, even for a short period.

"He's young, committed and provides great competition in the team. I'm really looking forward to getting him working with the squad."

Grounds becomes Hibs boss John Hughes's fifth signing of the summer window, joining Edwin de Graaf, David Stephens, Michael Hart and Darryl Duffy.