Riley Harbottle has left Hibernian on loan to join Colchester United.

The centre-back, 23, will spend the rest of the season with the English League Two club.

Harbottle - who signed for Hibs from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee - has made just two appearances for Hibs this season.

A club statement read: "We can confirm that Riley Harbottle has joined Colchester United on loan.

"The young centre-half will link up with the English League Two side for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.

"After making the switch to Hibs in the summer, Riley has gone on to make two appearances with his league debut coming against Livingston back in August.

"He will now link up with Danny Cowley’s U’s who sit 22nd in the fourth tier of English football."

Hibs boss Nick Montgomery commented: “At this stage of Riley’s career it’s imperative that he goes out and gains regular football.

“Gametime has been limited for him this season and he needs to continue developing. We hope he embraces this challenge and it’s a successful loan spell where he plays week in, week out.”

READ MORE: Hibs sign Emiliano Marcondes on loan from Bournemouth

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Johnson has left the club.

The 20-year-old has departed the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

Johnson had featured for the Hibs development side during his time at the club.

He also spent time away from the club on loan at Charleston Battery, Edinburgh City and Austin FC II.

A club statement confirmed: "We can confirm that Emmanuel Johnson has left Hibernian FC by mutual consent.

"The 20-year-old joined Hibs in January 2022 and has since had three loan spells away from the Club featuring for Charleston Battery, Edinburgh City, and more recently for Austin FC II.

"During his time at Hibs, ‘EJ’ also featured for the Development Squad.

"Everyone at Hibernian FC would like to wish EJ all the best for the future, and thank him for his efforts."