David Gray delighted to secure Rocky Bushiri’s future at Hibs

David Gray expressed delight after Hibernian finally tied down key defender Rocky Bushiri on a new three-year deal.

The 25-year-old DR Congo centre-back’s future has been in doubt in recent months as he ran down his contract to become a free agent this summer amid strong interest from elsewhere.

However, Hibs have pushed the boat out to retain Bushiri, who has spent the past three years at Easter Road after initially joining on loan from Norwich in January 2022.

“I am delighted that we’ve been able to agree a three-year deal with Rocky,” manager Gray told the Hibees’ website.

“Rocky played a huge part in our success last season not only on the pitch but off it in the dressing room too. As a character, he’s a perfect role model; he always works as hard as he can, is consistently trying to push himself, and he’s a real leader.

“As a player, it was clear to see we saw the best of him last season. He has the perfect physical attributes for Scottish football and was growing in confidence and developing week on week.

“We look forward to working with him and helping him develop further over the next few years.”

Bushiri, playing in the centre of a back three, was instrumental in Hibs’ surge to third place in the William Hill Premiership last season.

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “Unsurprisingly, there were a number of teams interested in Rocky this summer, so we’re really pleased he saw his future with us.

“We want to keep good people and good players at the football club, and Rocky is both of those. He’s a leader in the dressing room, cares about his teammates, and cares about the football club.

“He has great ambitions moving forward and a deep desire to play for DR Congo, and we want to help him achieve those.”

Hibs are also reportedly close to signing the versatile Josh Mulligan following his departure from Dundee.