FOREST GREEN striker Christian Doidge has joined Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

Reports suggest Mark Cooper's side pocketed £250,000 from the deal with 26-year-old out of contract at the end of next season, which now avoids the risk of losing the prolific Welshman for free.

Doidge scored 14 goals for the League Two outfit last season and also found the net for Championship Bolton during a four-month loan spell. Phil Parkinson’s side had agreed to buy the hot-shot in January in a £1million switch, but the deal was cancelled when the Trotters hit financial  rough waters  and the player returned to Rovers.

This is the second time Paul Heckingbottom has raided Forest Green, the former Barnley boss signed defender Ethan Pinnock during his time at the Tykes.

Doidge joined Rovers from National League rivals Dagenham & Redbridge in 2016 after previous spells in the Welsh League.

He quickly established himself at the New Lawn, scoring 27 goals in his first season, including a stunning goal at Wembley, helping Rovers to the Football League for the first time as Cooper’s side defeated Tranmere Rovers 3-1. Doidge notched 25 goals in Rovers' first foray into League Two as his tally helped the Nailsworth side beat the drop. 

Doidge started his career at Bristol Rovers and Southampton before giving up football to play basketball, reaching international level with Wales.

Doidge is set to make his Scottish Premiership debut at home to St. Mirren on Saturday, August 3 followed by a trip to Ibrox to face Steven Gerrard's Rangers the following weekend.

A Forest Green club spokesman said: "Everyone at FGR would like to wish Christian all the best in the next chapter of his career."