CHERRIES youngster James Hill would be open to a permanent move to Scotland after his loan spell at Hearts.

England under-21 international Hill joined Cherries in January 2022 from Fleetwood Town, only making one league appearance before being shipped out on loan a year later.

In five months with Hearts, Hill has made 14 appearances, with the Bristolian amenable to the idea of a full-time switch north of the border.

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, Hill shared: “It would definitely be in consideration because everyone at Hearts has been amazing.

“They’ve made me feel at home. I’m not out of place here. I feel like a massive part of this squad. When you have that belief, the sky is the limit.

“I owe it to the players, the manager, and also (former manager) Robbie Neilson when he was here. They made me feel like a player again.
“I haven’t felt like that in a long time – I can’t lie, it’s been difficult. I’ve been really honoured to pull on the Hearts jersey.

“I’ve learned so much. You play against different calibre of players in this league, physical and technical. The group at Hearts is incredible and the standard of this league is a surprise when other players step in because there is such quality.

“There are highs and lows but you have to stick together as a group. That has taught me about the frustration side of the game. You have to try to stay level-headed and just keep going. You can go places you don’t think you an actually get to if you keep believing.

Despite the Jambos losing 2-0 to champions Celtic at the weekend, Hill impressed, playing in a more unfamilar right-back role.

“I love it here, it’s been amazing and I just want to keep going," he continued.

"Everyone said I had a really good game on Sunday (against Celtic) but I think that should just be the norm. I need to stay in the starting XI and try to do that again in the next game and the next game. It doesn’t stop until the last kick of the last game.

“I love the fans here, they are incredible. Since the start they have been behind me and that has really helped. They were properly behind us from the first minute on Sunday and that showed in the first half. It helped put pressure on Celtic and they couldn’t get out.

Despite seemingly being open to a permanent move to Tynecastle, Hill tempered talk of his future by reiterating that his focus lies solely on Hearts’ final games of the campaign.

“I’m not focusing on the end of the season.

“I know it’s round the corner, but it’s about the next game for me because it’s so important for Hearts.

“I’m a Hearts player so I will keep going and giving 100 per cent.”