BBC Sport Online: Football: Teams: Hibernian

Sauzee to stay at Easter Road

The Frenchman's new deal will keep him at Easter Road for a further two years after his current contract expires this summer.

Manager Alex McLeish, who last week put pen to paper on a deal to keep him at Easter Road for at least the next two years, described Sauzee's decision as a big boost to the club.

Sauzee has been central to Hibs' challenge at the top of the Scottish Premier League and the move will hearten the club's supporters.

"The fans have taken to Franck and I think it is a measure of our quest for quality that we have managed to tie the big fella up again.

"I hope that Franck being here can be a big influence in terms of enticing other players here to the club in the future and bring out the best in the players here."

Sauzee expressed his delight at having signed the new deal.

"For me the most important thing was to see Alex McLeish sign for two more seasons," he added.

"That was absolutely important for me to see him sign - we have a very good relationship."

A host of other first-team players are also out-of-contract at the end of the season, but McLeish will be hoping to secure Russel Latapy, Stuart Lovell, Mixu Paatelainen and Nick Colgan as well.