Hibs midfielder Stevie Mallan discusses social media abuse and battle for first-team places

Hibs midfielder Stevie Mallan has revealed that he has worked harder in training than ever before this year because of the battle for places in the Easter Road team.

Stevie Mallan talked to the Hibs programme about the battle for places and social media abuse

The former St Mirren man has four goals and two assists overall so far this season but has been in and out of the team with plenty of competition for midfield berths.

The 24-year-old has welcomed the battle for places but in an intervew with the Hibs matchday programme admitted: “This year is probably the hardest I've ever worked in training because I feel like if I'm not training well then the manager and coaching staff will pick up on that.

"We can't afford to relax. We’re doing well and there are only so many starting positions. It makes you hungrier.”

Mallan also discussed the social media abuse that some players face in the wake of bad performances.

While insisting he has limited his time on social media, Mallan revealed he does sometimes read comments from fans when he hasn’t played particularly well.

He explained: “Sometimes what people say isn't fair, but it’s just people showing their passion for the club. Like us [the players], they're desperate to win. I probably tend to steer clear of it a bit more now and will say to my family not to tell me about some stuff they might see.

"I know if I’ve had a bad game, so I know what to expect on social media. Sometimes you’re in a bad place and the last thing you want is to hear it from other people.

"People can jump on bandwagons and slaughter others. It can get pretty personal.”

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