Mallan out to match McGinn with call-up

STEVIE Mallan is convinced he can follow in the footsteps of John McGinn and win a full Scotland call-up playing for Hibs.

Mallan has followed his pal’s career path since their time playing together at St Mirren and the duo were briefly team-mates at Hibs at the start of the season before McGinn left for Aston Villa.

McGinn was again named in the Scotland squad yesterday for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League clashes with Albania and Israel after breaking into the full squad during his three years at Easter Road.

And Mallan, who has impressed since joining the Easter Road side from Barnsley in the summer, believes McGinn’s international success is proof he can win a call-up whilst playing in the capital.

The Scotland under-21 cap said: “You saw when John was here he took that step up into the first team at international level. So the platform is there.

“First and foremost, I want to do what I can with Hibs and keep playing the way I’m playing, and keep getting that recognition that I’m doing well.

“And then, hopefully, if the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.”

After a frustrating season spent largely out of the first-team picture at Barnsley, Mallan has been regular starter for Hibs and has netted nine times in a prolific start.

And the 22-year-old attributes his impressive form to the contentment he feels at Easter Road.

He added: “I honestly couldn’t be happier. I’ve done more than I expected in my first few months here.

“I just wanted to come here and play as much as possible and I’m at a club where the manager wants me to play.”