I scored four in my first two Euro outings – it wouldn't surprise me if David Gray has a dream Euro debut in Hibs dugout

Scottish Sun

6 hours ago

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STEVIE MALLAN enjoyed a dream debut the last time Hibs tackled the Europa League.
And the former Easter Road playmaker hopes old teammate David Gray enjoys the perfect first outing in Europe as a boss.
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Stevie Mallan celebrating goal in Europe
Credit: Andrew Barr - The Sun Glasgow
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David Gray and Stevie Mallan were close at Easter Road
Credit: Andrew Barr - The Sun Glasgow
Having joined from Barnsley at the start of the 2018/19 campaign, Mallan netted a brace in his first appearance in Leith - a 6-1 rout of Faroese minnows NSI Runavik in the first round of the competition.
With Hibs back in the Europa League, Mallan is backing old pal Gray to make his mark from the dugout this time around.
Mallan told SunSport: "I joined Hibs on the Friday and the following Thursday made my debut in Europe - and scored twice!
"I actually scored twice in the second leg as well. Four goals in Europe in my first two games for the club was pretty special.
"I sat next to Davie in the dressing room for years and he's a top guy.
"It wouldn't surprise me to see him do well in Europe because he has picked up plenty of experience of it as a player.
"He also showed last season what a great manager he can be. Hopefully the draw is kind to them and they get to the group stages."
Neil Lennon's Hibs made it through to the third round in 2018, eventually exiting after a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Molde.
In the Edinburgh club's defence, the Norwegians did have a young Erling Haaland in their ranks.
The Man City superstar netted twice in the decisive second leg and Mallan said: "Haaland actually missed the first leg in Edinburgh because he was away having a medical.
David Gray opens up on THAT Cup Final winner for Hibs against Rangers and how he felt like a 'wild horse' as he celebrated
"Unfortunately for us, he was back in for the second leg, scored a brace and got an assist.
"He was the decisive factor and has gone on to be an incredible player. You could tell he was special and we were just unlucky he didn't move on sooner!"
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