Will Fish has aired his frustration over a lack of game time since joining Hibernian on loan in September - but the Manchester United loanee remained resolute in fighting for the chance to impress.
The 19-year-old headed across the border on deadline day, securing a season-long loan deal at Easter Road in a bid to continue his development in senior football. Such opportunities have been scarce, however, with the player starting just once and playing a total of 98 minutes for Hibs.
Fish admitted his frustration at being unable to break into the first-team picture when given the chance.
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“Obviously it is frustrating, but you have to earn your place in the team," Fish told the Edinburgh Evening News. "Rocky [Bushiri], Paul [Hanlon], Porto [Ryan Porteous] have played well since I have come in, so you just have to take that chance when you get it. Time will tell, but I’m happy here. Whatever I can do to help the team I’m happy to do that.
“Training with the lads every day is great because they are all great players. For me, it is about keeping my head down, working hard, improving my game and we’ll see what happens.”
Plenty is expected of Fish at United, with the teenager making his one and only senior appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2021 before signing a long-term contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2025. But despite that security being in place with a deal at his boyhood club, the defender is keen to find his own path in search for more regular minutes.
“I’ve got that security but, I think it is the right time for me to push on and get some experience in the game. I was in and around the first team at United. I made my debut and I’ve trained with them. That’s a great experience that I didn’t take for granted. Learning from players like that was incredible, but everyone has their own pathway and I feel like this season was the right time to come on loan and get some experience in men’s football.
“Every now and then they [United’s coaches] will check in with me, but mostly they leave it to me and I can handle it myself. I’ve not been back to the club since I came to Hibs. I’m quite enjoying it here and I’ve only been home once.
“I want to experience the men’s game in front of fans like we have and experience that pressure to be a top-six club. The game here is very physical, definitely. There are good players in the league and anyone can beat anyone. I want to improve my game and play with some great players and see where it takes me.”
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