Hibs’ Stevie Mallan has set himself an international target this season.
The midfielder was in fine form last season, picking up Hibs’ Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards.
After contributing 13 goals and 11 assists to the team last season, Mallan is now setting his sights on national team appearances.
He told the Edinburgh Evening News: “I’ve spoken to Lewis Stevenson who went away with Scotland last summer and he loved it, I’ve seen Sparky (Marc McNulty) come in, score a few goals and get in the Scotland squad. I’ve seen them do it and now I feel it’s my turn.”
Can Mallan achieve his international target?
A packed midfield makes it hard for Hibs man Mallan
Mallan is probably unlucky to be a Scottish midfielder at this time. It’s the nation’s strongest area of the pitch at the moment.
Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay, Kenny McLean, John McGinn and Graeme Shinnie are just some of the names available to Steve Clarke.
With that kind of talent available to the ex-Kilmarnock boss, it’ll be difficult task for Mallan.
The Hibees midfielder has great technical ability. He can find his man with a long range pass with ease, and his ability to finish the ball from range isn’t too bad either.
However, unless he has an exceptional season, a Scotland cap will be something he has to work extremely hard for. It’s a packed area and it’ll take a monumental effort to shift some of the more established players.
Paul Heckingbottom will be hoping first and foremost that he takes his impressive club from last season into the new campaign.