CJ Egan-Riley has reflected on his loan spell at Hibernian in the second half of the 2022/23 season, and praised the club and its fans for their warm welcome in Leith.
The former England youngster joined parent club Burnley from Manchester City last summer, but made just six first team appearances in the first half of the season. However, in January he was snapped up by Hibees boss Lee Johnson on a loan deal for the remainder of the season, and went onto impress in his 14 appearances in the second half of the campaign.
The 20-year old says the chance to play regular football has benefitted him greatly, and joyfully spoke about his experiences playing in the Edinburgh derby against Hearts and in big games with Celtic and Rangers.
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Speaking to burnleyfootballclub.com, he said: "I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great experience for me, Edinburgh was a lovely city and as a club they welcomed me in from day one.
"I loved it there. They put a lot of faith and trust in to me and everyone was great at the club with me. The first half of the season was tough, although it was enjoyable training and learning a lot, the second half of the season I was definitely in a better place mentally.
"As a footballer you obviously want to be playing every game week in week out and since January when I went up there, I played every game.
"I played in some Edinburgh derbies, played against Celtic and Rangers which are massive games. The Edinburgh derby was crazy! Definitely the best atmosphere I have ever played in.
"The Celtic away game was also crazy; Celtic Park is a mad stadium. It was just great to experience these type of games and atmospheres."
Egan-Riley also revealed that he had constantly been in touch with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany during his time in Edinburgh, and says he was delighted to see his parent club go and win promotion back to the Premier League.
He added: "The gaffer [Vincent Kompany] called me three or four times whilst I was up there too which was good to ask how I was doing. He also called me the other day when he heard about the injury to just say it will be hard but get through it and work hard.
"I spoke to Jacko [Burnley U23s coach Mike Jackson] a couple of times too and also Charlie Adam (Burnley Loan Manager) which was good to keep in touch.
"I have spoken to a few of the lads when I have been away like Browny (Josh Brownhill), Ian (Maatsen) and Nathan (Tella) and they are all just buzzing.
"I watched games when I could. I was still very much happy and pleased for everyone here. It was an outstanding season for the lads. To get promoted back to the Premier League was the aim for everyone here, so to get it done the first season is amazing."
The young full-back will return to Turf Moor carrying an injury he picked up in his final appearance for Hibs, having limped off in the game against Celtic at Easter Road, that his team then went onto win 4-2.
Egan-Riley does not know where he will be playing his football next season, but is determined to get back to full fitness as soon as possible.
"I got the injury in the Celtic match", he explained. "We actually won the game which was a bit crazy was we were the underdogs in that game.
"It was a little bit sore in training a few days before but I knew I was never going to miss that game with a little niggle. Then around the hour mark I hit a diagonal pass and I felt it and knew as soon as it left my foot, I knew it was gone.
"With surgery I won’t be able to do anything for a couple of weeks rehab wise, but then I will come back in and begin the rehab process with the medical and sports science staff here at Burnley.
"I will most likely do the whole of pre-season here and get through the comeback and then see where I am at. I just want to fully focus and concentrate on getting back fit now and then go from there and see what the plan is for me going forward."
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