Athletic boss Allan Johnston has moved to strengthen his squad with the signature of ex-Rangers midfielder Rhys McCabe.

The 23-year-old had been training with the club, as well as Hibs and St Johnstone, and featured in the 2-0 SPFL Development League win against Hearts last week.

Johnston has spoken of the need to increase his options with skipper Callum Fordyce and defender Ryan Williamson both sidelined for long spells with broken legs.

McCabe was released from English Championship club Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season. A product of the Rangers youth programme, he was considered a hot prospect at Ibrox and made nine first-team appearances in the 2011/12 season.

He made his Premier League debut on 3 March 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 defeat to Hearts.

Later that month he made his Old Firm debut in a 3–2 win over Celtic. McCabe made his debut for the Scotland Under 21 team in April 2012 but left Rangers at the depths of their financial crisis to sign a three-year contract at Wednesday.

He scored a fine goal on his debut against Charlton Athletic but he made few appearances for the Owls and was loaned out to League Two Portsmouth in the 2013-2014 season. 

Last season he made three appearances off the bench, totalling just over 20 minutes game time.