South African midfielder Matthew Pattison has started a trial period at Hibernian after missing out on a deal with Leeds United.

The former Newcastle midfielder is currently contracted to Mamelodi Sundowns in his homeland but has been given permission to join up with the Easter Road side.

Pattison will play for the capital club in a bounce game against Carlisle United today (Monday) as Pat Fenlon continues to reshape his squad.

The 25-year-old had hoped to win a contract at Elland Road last week but manager Simon Grayson confirmed he wouldn’t be offering the combative player a deal.

Now he has sets his sights on trying to earn a move to the SPL.

A statement from Mamelodi Sundowns read: “Matthew Pattison will continue with his quest for a contract in the UK following an indication that he may not be offered a contract by Leeds United.

“The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder will now go to Scottish outfit Hibernian, where he will feature in trials and a game on January 30. Mamelodi Sundowns have given consent for the trials.

“Pattison played in two matches for Leeds, and scored a goal in each, giving rise to hopes that he would be offered a contract. But Leeds have indicated that they were not going to offer him a contract.”

After starting his career at Newcastle, Pattison joined Norwich City before returning home to Mamelodi in 2009.