Luke Matheson “thoroughly enjoyed” spending the past few months on loan at Bohemians in the League of Ireland.

The Wanderers youngster headed to the Dublin-based club in February in search of regular minutes at a competitive level of senior football.

Matheson went on to make 10 appearances at Dalymount Park and made a positive impression among supporters.

He wrote on social media: “This place will always be special, the people of this city made me feel at home since day one.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every second of my time here, both on the pitch and off it, and for that I can only thank my team-mates, the staff and the fans of this great club.

“To everyone involved with the club, I truly wish the best. Thank you for making me feel so at home. It was short but sweet and I’m a fan for life.”

The 21-year-old joined the Whites’ B Team ranks last summer after leaving Premier League club Wolves.

Matheson impressed for the second string during the first half of the campaign and also made a handful of appearances at first-team level in the cup competitions, scoring in the 8-1 win against Manchester United Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

During his loan spell, the full-back was asked what had surprised him most since heading to the League of Ireland.

He replied: “Probably just the standard of it, we don’t get much exposure to it over in England so we don’t really know what it is like and what to expect.

“It is not like we can stick on the TV and watch a Bohs game, so it is just understanding how big it is over here.

“We have the Prem over here which is arguably the biggest league in the world, but people almost care more about football over here than they do in England. That definitely caught me a bit by surprise.”

Prior to his arrival at Wanderers, Matheson had already played in League One, League Two and the Scottish Championship during spells with the likes of Rochdale, Scunthorpe and Hamilton.

When asked for the biggest difference between English and Irish football, he explained: “I don’t think they are too dissimilar.

“There are some unbelievable players who have played in the League of Ireland, and that just goes to show the standard of players being produced over here.

“The fans are so passionate over here and that is the first thing that stands out at any ground you go to.”

Bohemians currently sit eighth in the League of Ireland under Alan Reynolds, who took charge in March following Declan Devine’s departure.

In response to Matheson’s parting message, one supporter wrote: "Loved what you gave on the field to this club from your memorable debut against Galway onwards. You have many fans in this club who will want to see you go as far as you can.”

Another added: "Top class right back. Clever, combative and very composed on the ball. Thanks for everything you did for the club Luke. Best of luck in the future."