**Emerson Hyndman admitted that he jumped at the chance to return to Scottish football to join Hibs.
**

The American signed on loan for Hibernian from Bournemouth on Wednesday after John McGinn left for Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old who impressed in a loan spell with Rangers in 2017 endured a frustrating time at his parent club last season, playing only four times for the Premier League side.

So when the opportunity arose to come to Edinburgh, the midfielder didn't hesitate and was thrown immediately into action as he came off the bench in Hibs' Europa League draw with Molde on Thursday night.

When asked about his year away from Scotland, the 22-year-old said: "It's been tough - not much football.

"I have been in and around Bournemouth's first team but it has been a grind, training behind the scenes a lot of the time.

"It's been frustrating so when I heard of interest I jumped at it.

"I'm hoping I can get a run of games and maybe improve the squad.

"You always want to improve yourself as a player, no matter where you are, and it's a big opportunity for me to be here at such an ambitious club, and try to push them even further.

"A goal for me is always to help the team and improve the squad as best I can, and really get the trust of the lads.

"Hibs have a big ambition, did really well last year.

"I kept up with the league and saw they were doing well. When I heard about the interest, I was quick to jump on it."

Hyndman said despite his lack of first-team action, he feels he is fully prepared to make an impact at Hibs.

The young midfielder could get the chance to build upon his fitness when Hibs take on St Johnstone in the Premiership on Sunday, four days before their return leg in Norway.

"I had a few pre-season games, I came on against Marseille," Hyndman said.

"We had about four or five pre-season games and I featured in most of them.

"But the training at Bournemouth is quite intense.

"When I came on on Thursday I felt sharp, mentally as well as physically.

"I know it wasn't very long but I was in this situation at the start at Rangers, I hadn't played any games.

"I came on once and got 90 minutes the next game. I think it's all about keeping your mind fresh and moving into each game knowing it's possibly going to be a challenge."