Valletta have completed the signing of Jason Lee Vandelannoite on an 18-month deal.

The robust defender had been widely tipped to join the champions after rescinding his contract with Hibernians last month.

As Vandelannoite, 26, was contracted to the Paolites until recently, he must wait until January to make his Valletta debut.

“Of course I’m pleased that I’ve joined Valletta, otherwise I wouldn’t have done it,” Vandelannoite told The Times.

“After I left Hibs, I wanted to go abroad but then Valletta contacted me. It’s difficult to move to another team in mid-season, particularly overseas, but I’m glad to have made this decision.

“The challenge for me this season is to be a champion with Valletta.”

Vandelannoite acknowledged that Valletta coach Mark Miller, who had also signed him when he was at the helm of Hibs last season, was a key factor in his decision to join the Citizens.

“It’s also because of the input of the coach that I’ve decided to make this move,” Vandelannoite said.

“It’s not really a problem that I can’t play before January because in the meantime, I’m following a special fitness programme and working to improve my sharpness.”

Valletta are Vandelannoite’s third Maltese club after Hibs and Qormi, the latter having been the first to recruit the Belgian in 2010.

Before coming to Malta, Vandelannoite spent one season on the books of Sheffield United.

“My experience in Maltese football has been good so far,” Vandelannoite said.

“I started with Qormi, a club that I respect a lot. Then I went up by joining Hibs and now I’ve climbed another step by signing for Valletta.

“The level here is okay but there’s a big difference between the top teams and those at the bottom.

“At Valletta, I feel like I’m going back to a professional club. I know it’s going to be difficult because they already have five foreigners but that means that I’ve got to work harder every day to prove myself.”