Lomas accepts Craig decision

Port Vale have completed the signing of defender Daniel Jones after he left Sheffield Wednesday by mutual consent.

The 26-year-old reached agreement with Wednesday before agreeing to initially join Vale until June 30, but will have to wait for his debut after Saturday's home clash with Bradford was postponed.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Sheffield Wednesday. I haven't played as many games as I would I have liked and I'm ready for a new challenge," Jones told Wednesday's official website.

"Wednesday is a massive club and I hope the lads can turn it around this season and climb the table."

Jones, who can play in midfield or at left-back, began his career at Wolves and had two loan spells at Northampton before two similar stints at Oldham.

Further loan spells followed at Notts County and Bristol Rovers before he joined Wednesday on a free transfer in August 2010. He made 50 appearances in all competitions for the Owls.

Hibs announced earlier in the week that the 26-year-old, who joined the McDiarmid Park club from Falkirk in 2008, will move to Leith at the end of the season on a two-year agreement.

Saints boss Lomas, whose side return to action against Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday following their winter break, took a pragmatic view to the loss of one of his top players.

The Northern Irishman said: "I knew it was going to happen, that's just the way it is.

"We can't compete with the likes of Hibs and some other SPL clubs for wages, it's as simple as that.

"Liam has been a great servant to the club and I have no worries about him for the rest of the season.

"I know his character, he will give it everything and it's because of players like him that St Johnstone have had success in recent seasons, they are all an honest bunch of lads."

Lomas has already lined up a replacement in Richard Brittain, who has signed a pre-contract deal, although the move to recruit the Ross County skipper raised a few eyebrows.