Paatelainen snapped up the 20-year-old on a season-long loan deal from Italian Serie A outfit Genoa, Pinau playing twice in pre-season friendlies against Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic as the big Finn kept his name a closely-guarded secret.

And today Paatelainen disclosed how the cloak of secrecy surrounding Pinau's identity had paid dividends as he finally signed a player given the thumbs up by former team-mate and Hibs manager Franck Sauzee.

He said: "I've been after Steve since April when he was brought to my attention by my chief scout David Fouche. I went to France and spoke to Franck and, as soon as I mentioned Steve's name, he knew who I was talking about.

"Franck reckoned Steve would be a good player for us.

"At 20 he's not the finished article but he has plenty of good attributes, he works very hard, he finishes well and is very strong which helps him hold the ball up.

"He's also quite flexible as he can play in the wide areas or as an offensive midfielder."

Paatelainen had hoped to sign Pinau direct from Monaco but his plans appeared dashed when Genoa stepped in to snap up the youngster on a long-term contract only to be resurrected when it became clear the Italian side might be prepared to allow him to leave on loan to gain more first-team experience.

He said: "I knew that at the end of last year Manchester City and Blackburn were taking an interest in Steve so I didn't want them to know he was here training with us and that there was the possibility of him being allowed to go on loan which might have attracted them.

"It was selfish on my part but I am delighted it has all paid off."