Kai Andrews described his Hibernian debut as both a shock and a privilege after being thrust into action early during the 0–0 draw with Rangers at Easter Road.
The midfielder, who has only recently joined Hibs on loan from Coventry City, was introduced far earlier than expected after an early injury to Celtic-linked Miguel Chaiwa, forcing an immediate adjustment to the tempo and intensity of a high-profile Scottish Premiership fixture.
Reflecting on the circumstances of his introduction, Andrews admitted the moment caught him off guard.
“It was a bit of a shock coming on so early into the game,” he said.
“I've been excited for it, looking forward to it since I came in to the training ground.”
Thrown into the contest almost immediately, Andrews acknowledged the challenge of adapting on the fly.
“It took me a few minutes to get settled into the game,” he explained.
“The pace of the game, coming off from the bench that early, it's a difficult thing to do.”
Despite that, he felt his performance improved as the match progressed.
“Once I settled in, I thought I could give it really well and I'm really pleased with the performance,” he said.
Asked whether he had experienced such an abrupt introduction before, Andrews was clear: “No, that's my first time.”
The situation underlined the steep learning curve that often comes with mid-season loan moves, particularly into matches of this intensity.
The occasion was made even more significant by the setting. While Andrews has previously played at Easter Road as an opposition player for Motherwell, this was his first appearance wearing green and white in front of the home support.
“I've been here last season when I was at Motherwell and it was a brilliant crowd,” he said.
“But actually playing in front of them today, wearing the shirt, it was a privilege.”
The atmosphere clearly left an impression.
“I thought the fans were excellent throughout the whole game,” Andrews added.
Attention now turns quickly to the next challenge, with Hibernian back at Easter Road on Wednesday night against Dundee United.
Andrews believes the extended minutes he logged against Rangers will prove valuable.
“It's good to get the minutes I've got today because it gives me a foundation to build on going into the next game,” he said.
Having now experienced the pace and physical demands of Premiership football in a Hibs shirt, he feels better prepared.
“I know what to expect, even more so now when Dundee comes around,” Andrews concluded.
For Hibernian, the draw against Rangers was a solid platform. For Andrews personally, it marked a demanding but encouraging first step in his spell in Edinburgh.