COMMERCE CITY — When Rapids’ second-year pro Marlon Hairston was loaned to the Charlotte Independence in early April, he quickly realized he was a long way from the bright lights of Major League Soccer.

“It was an eye-opening experience for Marlon, from a human perspective at first,” Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni said. “I talked to him when he first got there and he said, ‘Man, I didn’t realize how good I had it. The stadium and the level and everything about professional sports.’ It was very impactful for him.”

Hairston was in the midst of converting from midfield to right back, and recovering from an injury which he described as a dislocated shoulder and slight tear to his labrum.

But instead of wallowing, Hairston got to work, grinding it out in training and in games with the Rapids’ USL affiliate in hopes of proving he belonged back in Colorado.

“The level was still high,” Hairston said. “Every day in practice was a good competitive day.”

Hairston said it was a great chance for him to get more comfortable at right back, a position where Mastroeni thinks Hairston will be “exceptional.”

“To actually continue to get games in at that position, it was a huge asset to me,” Hairston said.

Hairston tallied a goal and an assist in six games for Charlotte, and earned USL player of the week honors two weeks ago for his play at right back.

“The last couple games he really came into his own,” Mastroeni said. “Really started doing some good stuff and at that point I felt it was a good opportunity to kind of take that momentum and bring him back in with the group and continue his development here.”

Hairston, 21, says he doesn’t know if he’ll play right back long-term, but said “it’s good to have another position in my locker.” He also hopes to catch the eye of the U.S. U-23 coaching staff as the team ramps up for U.S. Olympic qualifying.

“Hopefully the coaches know I’m back playing again, I’m back healthy and fit, so I just look forward to getting called in,” Hairston said.

Back at training this week, Hairston said his shoulder feels fine now. The converted right back was in good form Tuesday, looking very much like a player who can make an impact in MLS.

“You can take these experiences two ways,” Mastroeni said. “You can feel sorry for yourself and sulk, or you can grind it out for five or six weeks and come away with ‘player of the week.’ And I think that says a lot about the kind of character Marlon’s got.”

Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or twitter.com/danielboniface