Gordon Marshall is replacing Ian Westwater

The 41-year-old is replacing former Dunfermline goalkeeper Ian Westwater, who has been forced to quit the Easter Road club due to injury.

Marshall told BBC Sport: "There's a possibility I could re-register as a player in January in an emergency.

"But my main role is goalkeeping coach and it's a great chance to take that next step with a big club."

Marshall has played almost 700 professional games during a career that started with Rangers in 1982.

He is determined to make an impact as a coach Hibs boss Tony Mowbray

He also played for East Fife, Falkirk, Celtic, who paid the Bairns £2.7m in 1991, and Kilmarnock.

But he has made just one appearance for Motherwell this season.

"Graeme Smith has come in while I was injured and done really well," said Marshall.

"The way he has been playing, he should stay there for some time and the manager asked me if I would be interested in becoming coach at Hibs.

"Ian Westwater is unfortunately having to give up because of a knee injury.

"I played with Tony Mowbray at Celtic and I admire him as a coach and it is a great opportunity to work with him at Hibs."

Mowbray believes the arrival of Marshall will be a huge benefit for his first-team goalkeepers, Zbigniew Malkowski and Simon Brown.

"After such a long and distinguished playing career, Gordon sees the movement into goalkeeper coaching as the next step in his career progression," he said.

"He is determined to make an impact as a coach and is very enthusiastic about the role at Hibernian.