JAMES Hill enjoyed a memorable debut to start his loan spell with Hearts, saying the “special” atmosphere “will probably live with me for a long time”.

21-year-old Hill moved north of the border last week to link up with Scottish Premiership outfit Hearts on loan until the end of the season from Cherries.

In his first senior start since Cherries’ win over Norwich City in the League Cup, Hill helped his new team keep a clean sheet, allowing Hearts to pick up three points via Barrie McKay’s 29th minute strike.

Speaking after the game at Tynecastle, Hill shared: "The crowd were outstanding all game and helped us push through it in the dying embers of the game.

"The atmosphere was something special that will probably live with me for a long time.

"I was ready for the physical aspect of the game, that's what I prepared for.

“It's a lot different to the Premier League, it's trying to be patient, sometimes you just have to slow the pace down yourself and pass the ball around.

"The game provided everything, we had to find a way to break down that low block and they did well to sit in that area and make it difficult for us.

"But Barrie McKay stuck it in the back of the net for us and it was a brilliant team performance."

 Hill also shared how Cherries teammate Ryan Christie had recommended a loan spell to Scotland, with the Scottish international also providing advice on the crowds.

The defender continued: “Ryan did talk about the atmosphere and the fan base.

“Sometimes you are playing in front of thousands of fans and sometimes you won’t be. So you have to work to stay at the same level all the time.

“You can’t give in whether you are playing Celtic, Rangers or anyone else. You have to keep the intensity high and cope with the diversity of different teams and how they play.

“All those things will be really good for me and, obviously, he said the atmosphere at Celtic and Rangers is incredible and that is something you want to experience.

“As you move up through the different stages of football, the crowds get bigger and you have to deal with that pressure. I think this could be really good for me.”

Despite a lack of game time since joining Cherries in January 2021, Hill seamlessly slotted into the hearts backline in the absence of Craig Halkett.

So impressive was his performance, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was left purring by Hill.

He stated: “I thought he was outstanding.

“For a kid who has not played for a while, to come up here and play in front of 20,000 people, in possession he was outstanding with some of the switches of play and through passes, and out of possession he was top, winning headers and being aggressive.”