Mallan is planning to stay on the goal trail

FIVE goals from five appearances since joining Hibs have left midfielder Stevie Mallan in confident mood.

And if the Easter Road club are to continue their progression in Europe, they are going to need plenty of belief — and the former St Mirren player’s ability to find the back of the net.

Neil Lennon’s men face Molde on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round, with the daunting reward for making it past the Norwegians yesterday confirmed as either Zenit St Petersburg or Dinamo Minsk.

However, last week’s aggregate win over Asteras Tripolis has given Hibs a timely boost, and they proved that with Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Motherwell in their Premiership opener.

And Mallan is optimistic they can put on another positive performance when they host Molde this week.

‘We just kicked on from our result last Thursday,’ said the summer signing from Barnsley.

‘The boys were high on confidence, because it was a very good side we played in Greece and we took that confidence into Sunday’s game.

‘We always knew Motherwell were going to be a tough, tough side but we put in a very dominant showing to get a 3-0 victory.

‘It was a good all-round performance from the whole squad and I think that brings the confidence levels up even more for this week’s game against Molde.’

Mallan (right) has made a very impressive start to life at Hibs and his opener against Motherwell on Sunday helped get their league campaign off to a winning start.

He is delighted with his goal return so far and aims to continue providing the attacking threat manager Lennon asked for on his arrival.

The 22-year-old added: ‘When I first joined the club, the gaffer wanted me to score more goals from midfield, and that was something that I wanted to do. It’s good for the team to get off to a good start and it’s a boost to myself as well; all I want to do is score more goals. ‘I couldn’t have asked for a better start, now I just need to continue that form throughout the season.’ Meanwhile, Hibs are hopeful of having striker Florian Kamberi and defender Darren McGregor fit for Molde’s visit. Both have knee complaints, with Kamberi being restricted to a place on the bench against Motherwell and McGregor missing out completely. Lennon explained: ‘We don’t know yet. Flo should be all right. He’s got a bit of fluid on his knee and he’s a bit uncertain on it. With him playing 90 minutes on a heavy pitch the other night, it flared up again. ‘Darren’s got an ongoing problem, and it’s difficult for him to play three games in a week. ‘His knee was very puffy on Sunday so we didn’t take a chance on him. We’ll see how he is.’