John Hughes, the Falkirk manager, last night said the signing of his former Celtic team-mate Jackie McNamara on a two-year deal will add some much-needed experience to his squad.

On a busy day for the club, Hughes also signed freed Hibernian youngster Dermot McCaffrey on a three-year contract as well as securing a one-year contract extension for Patrick Cregg, as the Falkirk manager started early in his planning for next season.

McNamara, 34, left Aberdeen last month after a reported dressing-room blast at Jimmy Calderwood, the club manager, only nine months after arriving from Wolves. The ex-Scotland internationalist endured an injury-hit season and travel problems from his Edinburgh home, meaning he was on the look-out for a new club in the central belt.

Hughes, a huge admirer of McNamara since playing at Celtic together in 1995, followed up his interest in the defender after getting the Falkirk board's backing.

Hughes believes McNamara is the perfect acquisition to help nurture his talented young side. "I've signed Jackie McNamara and Dermot McCaffrey and I'm absolutely delighted," said Hughes. "I'm delighted with the experience that he'll bring as I felt that's what we needed. But I'm not just getting a guy who'll give guidance to the young lads but also a top, top player and one who is a winner."

Hughes also said McCaffrey, the Northern Irish defender, could force his way into the Falkirk starting line-up.

McCaffrey, 22, was farmed out on loan to Livingston this term and was deemed surplus to requirements at Hibernian.

He added: "I know Dermot well and have watched him for a number of years. "I've watched him on loan at Livingston this year and the ball is in his court to get into my first team."

Cregg also boosted Hughes' plans by decided to remain at the club despite being out of contract in the summer. Hughes also added to his youth set-up by recruiting the Scottish defender Paul McLean, 18, from Norwich.