Darren McGregor says it was a privilege to run out at Easter Road again - but the Hibs hero doesn't know how many more opportunities there will be.
The veteran centre-back came on as a half-time substitute in Sunday's 1-0 friendly win over Norwich City alongside a host of development players at Easter Road. He is now in a Development Squad player/coaching role as the 36-year-old looks to his next steps in football with senior minutes set to be a rarity under new boss Lee Johnson.
He's still getting games elsewhere though and that's enough for one of Hibs' 2016 Scottish Cup winner: "I didn't have much expectation of playing at the start of the season, I'd semi-transitioned over to the development squad and I'm loving it. To get the chance to come back and help the younger guys through a first-team game, I'm absolutely over the moon.
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"I thought the McGregor 24 shirt wouldn't be seen again so to win the game, keep a clean sheet, and have a good performance with the younger guys who I'm mentoring., hats off to them because they were outstanding.
"Jacob Blaney, Oscar MacIntyre, Robbie Hamilton, Allan Delferriere, Runar Hauge, Dylan Tait... the younger guys who have been with me and there are plenty more in the ranks.
"At the very best, I will still be involved in a development capacity so I am still getting my games there. I am ticking my Hibs buzz from there. But if I can be involved with the first team then I would be over the moon. We'll wait and see."
Rocky Bushiri and Kyle McClelland both featured in the game and McGregor reckons more time needs afforded to them as young defenders.
He added: "They are still young and both will admit they have a lot to learn. Rocky is 22, when I was that age I was at Arniston Rangers. Kyle is 20 and that's when I wasn't long out of boys' club.
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"I get they haven't had the same path as me but I do think they should be given a bit of leeway. At the same time, you need to understand the dynamics of football. Fans want them to come in and be seven or eight out of 10 every week.
"They are conscious of that and are working hard to reach that standard. Kyle has been hanging around the first team more than the development squad but I have played a couple of games with him.
"I am getting to know him. He is very composed but sometimes a little too much so we just need to get him on his toes more.
"That comes through playing games where me, Ryan Porteous or whoever he is playing with is putting demands on him. Slowly he will come up to the standard around him."
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