Alan Stubbs is keen to hang on to Everton youngster Matthew Kennedy beyond the expiry of his initial loan deal in January.

The former Kilmarnock winger has made just five starts since joining from Goodison Park in August and has been forced to warm the bench in recent weeks as Hibs have shown signs of improvement.

However, the 20-year-old has been assured he is still very much in the frame at Easter Road. "Matty's had the impact that I knew he would when I brought him here," Stubbs said. "He's done really well since he came and he's been really unlucky not to be in the team more often.

"He's here until January, but if there's a possibility of sorting something else out with him, we'd obviously be interested."