Ria McCafferty: Hibs midfielder on rediscovering her mojo after Boroughmuir Thistle loan spell

The 21-year-old spent the past three months with the Meggetland-based club, getting some valuable game-time under her belt, but is now back and looking to kick on in a green-and-white jersey once more.

McCafferty, who has been with the Easter Road side since she was six, has found minutes hard to come by in the top flight with Hibs this season and admits her confidence took a nosedive.

However, she now feels in a much better place to challenge – and cement – a first-team spot with Dean Gibson's SWPL 1 side.

“It was really enjoyable and it got my confidence back,” McCafferty said. “It was fun to play and be back out on the pitch again. The Boroughmuir girls were so lovely and even handing my kit back on Thursday night, they couldn’t have been more happy for me going back to Hibs. Going out on loan is never an easy thing to do, as you hope you fit in with the rest of team, but they couldn’t have been more welcoming.

“I think I managed about eight games in the time I was there, scoring once, so I was pleased with my performances. I was still training with Hibs during the loan spell and I think even the coaches there could see my confidence coming back. It was exactly what I needed, so I’m so grateful for the opportunity Boroughmuir gave me.”

The youngster admitted it took time to pluck up the courage to approach Gibson in the first place. McCafferty has worked under the tutelage of the former under-23 boss for the last four years, so they have a strong bond. However, that did not make chapping on the manager’s door any less daunting.

“It was a horrible situation,” she said. “Dean has been my coach for four years now, so we can have a good laugh and we’re close, but having to go and speak to him about not being happy – I was