Chris Cadden admits hearing the Hibernian fans signing for the first time helped him through his long-awaited comeback.
The former Motherwell player made his first appearance in five months during Sunday’s goalless Edinburgh derby at a sold-out Tynecastle.
Cadden told Hibs TV: “It was brilliant. These are the sort of big games I came to Hibs for, these derbies and big games, so I absolutely loved it. When the gaffer told me I was starting I was delighted.
“The atmosphere was brilliant and the travelling fans were unbelievable so I loved every minute of it.
“This was my first game playing in front of a Hibees crowd because the last time I played was Rangers away mid-pandemic and there was no-one there.
“So I went from zero to full capacity. They sang right through it and kept me going and fully concentrated.”
The January signing added: “I got a good 80-odd minutes in for the first time in five months.
“It’s been a lot of hard work behind the scenes and hopefully I am reaping the benefits of that now.
“I worked hard with the sports scientists and physios running-wise. I am pretty naturally fit but it’s still a lot of hard work, staying behind and doing extra running.
“It’s been hard work but adrenaline gets you through. If you are not going to be up for a game like that, then you shouldn’t be playing football. Adrenaline played a massive part. I felt OK, just a bit tired towards the end.”
