O'Connor move imminent

Lokomotiv Moscow should wrap up the signing of Hibernian's Garry O'Connor.

Lokomotiv Moscow should wrap up the signing of Hibernian's Garry O'Connor within the next couple of days.

The Scottish youngster has agreed a move to Russia for a fee in the region of £1.5 million, accepting a lucrative contract in Eastern Europe.

The striker is growing impatient as he looks to undergo a major move in his career, according to his agent Gary Mackay.

"We expect the Russians to be in touch soon and hopefully things will progress to the final stage, which will be getting the contract signed," Mackay told Sky Sports News.

"I was tired just watching him go through the medicals! He was worked very, very hard. Hopefully, he's come through it with flying colours.

"I've had to sit on this since February 4 when Hibs played Rangers in the Scottish Cup. There's been interest since then so it's been quite a prolonged transfer but, hopefully, it will get there.

"It's been very interesting," he said of the dealings. "They're very thorough in everything they've done, which will show hopefully that Garry will be going to a very professional outfit.

"He would go before their transfer window closes, which I'm led to believe is March 12 so he'll be going before a week on Sunday."

Mackay admitted the financial aspect of the transfer was a key factor for his client.

"Hibs are going to gain," he said. "They've been losing players through freedom of contract and getting no recompense. They're going to get a very decent fee for O'Connor and are very happy with that also.

"If it was £1.6 million then I wouldn't be trying to get a fee out of Sky Sports News this afternoon! I'm not 100 percent sure if that is the fee Hibs have accepted but they have accepted a bid in the region of one and a half million pounds.

"The financial terms for Garry are outstanding, something very attractive and he's impatient.

"I told him yesterday we'd get the results tomorrow or Saturday morning and I've had five or six calls from him trying to find out what's happening.

"There's seven or eight English-speaking players in the Lokomotiv changing room. Hopefully, he can learn the language but he's not particularly good at English - we're going to give him Russian lessons."

Former Hearts midfielder Mackay joked that he was pleased O'Connor will miss the semi-final of the Scottish Cup as the two Edinburgh sides do battle.

"Do you think I would be disappointed at a striker missing a game against Hearts?" he asked.