Scott Allan has spoken out about his bizarre year without football.
The midfielder spent four seasons at Celtic, starting just three matches without getting a single minute of play under Brendan Rodgers.
In January he signed a pre-contract agreement to join Hibs but soon afterwards Neil Lennon left the club before completing the circle by returning to Celtic are caretaker.
Allan played in a couple of Reserve League fixtures during February but was effectively in a footballing Siberia for the final 12 months of his hoops contract.
“It has been tough watching any football just because of the year I have had,” he told The Sun as he rejoined Hibs. “But it keeps you going and gives you that drive that will stand me in good stead for this season.
“I have found out a lot about myself over this past twelve months through the struggle I have been through. I kept myself ticking over while everything was going on because there was a chance I could get back here.
“Physically I am good, it’s just match sharpness I am missing, which will come. With the League Cup games coming thick and fast in July that will work in my favour. So it has been a long process but it’s something that will benefit me in the long run.”
He added: “I am delighted to be back. I am here for the long haul. I had heard for a few months before that Hibs were interested and everybody knew I wanted to come back.
“So as soon as January came I got speaking to George Craig and Leeann Dempster and it was an easy decision. We obviously tried to get it done in January but it wasn’t to be so I have had to wait a few months.
“Now I am just happy to be back. I just feel at home here. I have probably played my best football here at Hibs.
“Now I just want to give something back because the fans have given me a lot over the past few years.
“I think I am a better player than when I left four years ago, so I honestly can’t wait to get the season started.”
During his Celtic stint Allan was sent out on loan to Doncaster, Dundee and Hibs where he formed an impressive midfield trio alongside John McGinn and Dylan McGeouch.
None of those players are still at the club but there is an optimism around Easter Road after Paul Heckingbottom made an impressive start after replacing Lennon.
Allan will start his third spell at the club on July 13 with a trip to Stirling Albion in the group phase of the Betfred Cup.