BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
HIBERNIAN’s latest summer signing Stevie Mallan is determined to make up for lost time following his Barnsley nightmare.
The 22-year-old finally completed his protracted transfer to Easter Road on Thursday afternoon, penning a four-year deal with the capital club.
It is understood the Hibees shelled out in the region of £175,000 for the Scotland under-21 international.
Mallan arrives after a miserable stint with the Tykes, making just nine appearances last season after making the switch south from St Mirren.
And the gifted playmaker has vowed to showcase the talent that made him one of Scottish football’s hottest properties 12 months ago.
Mallan said: “I was only used in a small number of games down there and I feel like I need to get that time back. I was left out a lot of the time and I have some making up to do.
“I need to show a lot of people what I am capable of in midfield and I can’t think of a better club or a better platform than Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.
“It means a lot to me to be back home and at a club that wants to play me and for a manager [Neil Lennon] who sees a big future for me.
“It’s great to finally be here and a big relief to get it done. I can’t wait to start working with the boys and playing again.”
Hibs beat the Europa League registration window deadline to complete the formalities of the move, meaning Mallan will be eligible to line up against NSI Runavik next Thursday.
He may even be afforded a run-out against Blackburn on Sunday in Paul Hanlon’s testimonial.
Mallan continued: “Barnsley only started back for pre-season last Monday so to get my first game under my belt on Sunday, hopefully, will be a good test. It’ll be good to be playing and enjoying my football again.
“Competing in Europe is something I can’t wait for. I’ve never been involved in, and that was another big draw.”
McGINN
Mallan, who becomes Hibs’ second arrival of the close season following the £100,000 capture of Flo Kamberi, also revealed the part former Buddies teammate John McGinn played in the switch – as a sounding board and an opponent.
He told Hibs TV: “I spoke to John McGinn and he holds the club in such high regard, so that was in my mind as well.
“I remember having a few tough battles with John and Dylan McGeouch in midfield. It was always tough to play against Hibs. They pressed and played with intensity, so there’s always been an admiration there.”
