Football: Rapist Evans handed Malta lifeline

London: Convicted rapist Ched Evans has been offered the chance to resume his career with Maltese club Hibernians.

Evans had hoped to train with his former team Sheffield United once he was released from prison late last year, but that offer was retracted following widespread protests.

English lower league sides Tranmere, Oldham and Hartlepool also rejected the opportunity to sign the striker.

But Malta`s Hibernians, 15 points clear at the top of the country`s domestic league, have revealed they have made an offer to Wales international Evans for the remainder of the season.

Club vice-president Stephen Vaughan said: "We are looking to secure the services of a top striker and Ched fits the bill.

"We`ve spoken to his agent and have offered a deal from now until the end of the season."

Evans wants to return to football after being released from prison in October.

He served two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence after being found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011.

He was initially given permission by Sheffield United to return to train with the club at the request of players` union, the Professional Footballers Association.

But following a backlash from Blades supporters and sponsors, which saw Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill say she wanted her name removed from a stand at Bramall Lane if Evans returned, the League One club retracted the offer.