Riley Harbottle admits the prospect of playing European football was a big factor in joining Hibs.
The defender joined on a three-year deal from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday.
Harbottle could make his debut in tomorrow’s friendly visit of Groningen but it is next week’s Europa Conference League second qualifying clash that he is most looking forward to.
The Leith side will face either Vikingur or Inter Escaldes in their first leg on July 27.
After coming through the Forest academy, the 22-year-old spent loan spells at Wealdstone and Mansfield, where he scored six goals in 37 appearances last season.
And Harbottle is relishing the challenge of testing himself both in domestic and European football at the Easter Road side.
He said: “I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play for this club, European football this year really attracted me here.
“It’s really exciting, it is something that a lot of us aren’t used to, it will be a challenge but we’re definitely up for it.
“When I got the information from my agent about his move I thought I would be stupid not to jump at the chance and I’m delighted to be here.
“My first impressions have been brilliant, everyone has made me feel really welcome.”
Harbottle admits he was keen on the move north of the border as soon as he spoke to manager Lee Johnson about his plans for Hibs.
He added: “The manager has been brilliant. From the first conversation I had with him he really sold the club to me.
“I know we’re ambitious and we’ve got a lot this season we want to achieve together.
“I spoke to a few people before coming here but when you look at the size of this club it’s one you can’t really turn down.”
Harbottle, meanwhile, has told Hibs fans that he will leave everything on the pitch in a bid to make the team a success
He added: “I’m a whole hearted player, I give everything for the club.
“If you look at my record last year I scored a few goals. I like to score and I’m aggressive in the box.”
