BY DARREN JOHNSTONE – Capital City Press
Hibs striker Dom Malonga has hit back at the critics who think he is lazy – and claims such suggestions make him laugh.
The Congo internationalist scored a stunning opening goal in Saturday’s win over Dumbarton just a month after notching a superb solo effort in the League Cup victory over Aberdeen.
The 26-year-old continues to divide opinion among the club’s fans over his laid-back style but the marksman insists he more than pulls his weight for the team.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s trip to Falkirk, Malonga said: “Some people say I’m lazy? I play like I play and I know what I can do on the pitch. I don’t care what people think of me. I think I’m good.
“These things make me laugh if people say I’m not a British striker. Come on, I play like me. A lot of strikers are different. It makes me laugh.”
Speculation that Malonga was about to leave the club before the summer transfer window closed came to nothing and the forward insists he is still happy to be at Easter Road.
He added: “I stayed a Hibs player and I just put my mind on the field.
“I’m trying to enjoy my game. I had a lot of decisions to make but I’m here and happy to be here.
“It was an uncertain time, but I don’t want to think about transfer windows now.
“I’m happy to be here. You never know what will happen in the future, but I just want to do my best here.
“I don’t disrespect my team-mates. I think a lot of them but if I train well and I play well then I will play – always.
“Competition is competition but I’ve had that in Italy and Spain. If my mind is on the field I play.”
