Sunderland must regret failing in Stevie Mallan pursuit

By Mathew Nash

Celtic were outdone at the weekend by former boss Neil Lennon and his Hibernian side. The Edinburgh club won a deserved 2-0 contest and one player in particular impressed.

Stevie Mallan put Celtic to the sword. Sitting in central midfield he had the Celtic players chasing shadows for much of the game. It was a display that will have Sunderland fans disappointed in hindsight.

Sunderland were linked with the transfer of Mallan in the summer. He was set to leave Barnsley, after struggling in Yorkshire since his move from St Mirren the previous year.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 24: General photo of Stevie Mallan of Hibernian FC during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Hibernian and Dundee at Easter Road on November 24, 2018 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. (Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)

New Sunderland boss Jack Ross had worked with Mallan in Paisley and, according to the Sheffield Star, was believed to be keen on his signature at the Stadium of Light.

In the end, Mallan headed back to Scotland. Ironically, he became Hibernian’s replacement for Dylan McGeouch, who had in fact joined Sunderland.

Hibs paid a fee in the region of just £150,000 for the player, according to The Scotsman, with the 22-year-old signing a four-year deal at Easter Road.

He has certainly shown he was worth the bargain fee. With nine goals and six assists, he has been the star of this Hibernian side.

Sunderland would no doubt love to have him pulling the strings from their midfield this season.