Former Carlisle United forward Harry McKirdy's return to action after heart surgery is a "great story", his manager says.

The 26-year-old has made his comeback for Hibernian after undergoing an operation last summer.

Months after the procedure, the ex-Blues man played again for the first time when Hibs faced Motherwell earlier this month.

He has been through a hard time, says Hibs boss Nick Montgomery, but the Easter Road chief believes McKirdy will be a "better person" for the experience.

“Harry is a great story," said Montgomery.

"He came on against Motherwell and the reception he got just warming up shows the great support we’ve got. Everyone understands he has been through a really tough time.

"Mentally it’s been really tough for him. We will manage him day to day and not week to week because it’s important we look after him.

"He is pushing himself and his attitude is fantastic. Coming off the bench before the break gave him a big lift and he is champing at the bit to get back."

Montgomery says McKirdy has had "lots" of ups and downs since his operation and his long spell out.

“He’s had a lot of them. I’ve had him in my office a lot of times, just putting my arm around him telling him to keep going and believe he can come back.

"He’s a great kid and this will build resilience for him," added Montgomery, speaking in the Daily Record.

“I’ve no doubt on the positive side it’ll make him a better person and appreciate football more.

"He’s desperate to show people what he’s got and probably prove people wrong as well. I don’t think after signing he really showed the impact he can but sometimes that can be the situation and environment.

“But right now he feels a part of the group and he knows we love and we’re all desperate to see him get back to his full tilt.”

Ex-Aston Villa man McKirdy was with United in the 2019/20 season, scoring 11 goals in 38 appearances.

He then had spells at Port Vale and Swindon Town before his move to Edinburgh in September 2022.