Hibernian have confirmed the departure of defender Riley Harbottle, who has left the Scottish Premiership side to join AFC Wimbledon on a permanent basis. 

The 23-year-old moved to Easter Road last summer from Nottingham Forest, joining under former manager Lee Johnson, who described the centre-back as having 'a lot of potential'.

"He has a good pedigree coming from Nottingham Forest's academy and impressed with Mansfield," the then-manager added. "He's a talented young player who we believe we can develop and he adds strength in depth for us at centre-back."

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But Harbottle made just one competitive league appearance for Hibs, playing 65 minutes at right-back in a 3-2 defeat by Livingston in what was Johnson's last game in charge, having played the full 90 minutes at centre-back in a 2-1 Premier Sports Cup victory over Raith Rovers. He spent the second half of the season on loan at Colchester United, making 12 appearances. 

Will Fish's return to parent club Manchester United at the end of his loan spell and Paul Hanlon's departure on the expiry of his contract left Hibs needing bodies at the heart of defence this summer, and club chiefs moved quickly to bring in Marvin Ekpiteta and Warren O'Hora, who have started the season as first-choice centre-back pairing, with Rocky Bushiri being named back-up for both league fixtures so far. 

Under David Gray, Harbottle was named among the substitutes for two of Hibs' four Premier Sports Cup group games this summer but remained unused, and was included as the extra man for the opening-day league visit to St Mirren, where he completed a tailored warm-up with lead sport scientist Colin Clancy. 

Confirming the player's departure, Gray said: "I’ve had a number of good conversations with Riley, and he expressed a desire to be playing senior football regularly.

"He understood that game-time would be limited here, so when this opportunity materialised, we knew it would be one he’d be interested in. He is a great lad and has been a pleasure to work with. We wish him nothing but the best for the future.”

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “This transfer makes sense for both the club and Riley. The way he applied himself at Colchester last season led to this opportunity and I’m sure he will relish it. We wish him all the best going forward."

Speaking to AFC Wimbledon's website, Harbottle said: "The future is exciting for me. I’m buzzing to take on this new opportunity and challenge. This is a really exciting club that I was determined to be a part of.

"I spoke to the manager previously about coming here, so when I got the call this time it was a no-brainer. I want to settle down and stay here for a while. I want to give everything and get Wimbledon to where it should be, which is in the league above."

Wombles boss Johnnie Jackson added: “Riley very much fits the profile of what we are looking for. He’s young, hungry and has good experience at the level. We’ve now got good depth in our defensive positions and have added another front-foot defender who will suit our style of play. His willingness to sign also gives us great confidence.”

Craig Cope, AFC Wimbledon's head of football operations, revealed that Harbottle had been on their radar for quite some time. 

"We’re delighted to welcome Riley to Wimbledon," he said. "He is a player we have monitored for a while and suits us. He is hungry and ready to kick start his career in yellow and blue."