ANDONI Iraola believes Emiliano Marcondes chose a “good option” when deciding to join Hibernian on loan, adding: “He needed some minutes.”

The 28-year-old joined the Scottish outfit last month on loan from Cherries until the end of the season.

Marcondes had recently returned from a foot injury and was an unused substitute for Cherries for two matches before linking up with Hibs, where he has already made four appearances.

Discussing the midfielder’s move north of the border, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think it was a good option for him.

“He needed some minutes after the injury and I hope he finds them with Hibs.”

Speaking earlier this season about the Dane’s recovery from surgery, Iraola said: “I was really happy, because I’ve seen the process.

“He has been out and he is someone who wants to contribute. He was part of the meetings.

“He is someone also normally in a good mood.”

Marcondes looks set to leave Cherries when his contract expires this summer, having played 24 times for the club, scoring seven goals.

That included an FA Cup hat-trick, away at Yeovil Town in January 2022.

His last competitive Cherries appearance came against Everton in November 2022, where he scored in a 4-1 win.