St Mirren hat-trick hero Stevie Mallan insists Saints can't wait for crunch tie against Hibs

Saints go into the match knowing they can’t be relegated automatically and a draw will mean they avoid a play-off to stay in the division.

The Buddies have had success against Neil Lennon’s Hibees this season. In March, Hibs were on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat in Paisley while back in October caretaker boss Alan McManus led Saints to a 2-1 win at Easter Road in the Irn-Bru Cup.

They go into the clash on the back of a 5-0 hammering of relegation rivals Raith Rovers and Mallan says Saints’ form in crunch ties over the past two months gives him confidence they can secure the result which will confirm their Championship survival.

He said: “We’re very confident. In the last couple of months we’ve rose to the occasion in each game. Every game has seemed like it was bigger than the last.

“Everyone knows Hibs are beatable, we’ve shown that already this season home and away. We’re really looking forward to next week.”

Mallan was the star of the show against Raith, scoring his first career hat-trick. The 21-year-old was on the verge of a move to Championship side Barnsley in January and his list of admirers will only have grown after a sensational performance which saw him have a hand in all five goals.

If he is to move on to pastures new in the summer, it was a phenomenal Paisley send-off for Mallan. His third goal is no doubt a goal of the season contender and among the best goals he has scored, according to the midfielder.

He added: “It’s up there with the goals I scored against Motherwell at home in the Premiership and my first goal at Dundee.

“It’s something you think about the night before a game, getting a hat-trick or getting a few assists. I wanted to get more goals and set up more as well so I’m delighted, I can’t thank the fans enough for coming out in their numbers.

“It was an unreal occasion for me to get the hat-trick.

“I’m delighted for myself and the boys that we managed to get the win.”