Dominique Malonga completes Italy switch after Hibs exit

Hibernian's Dominique Malonga (right) celebrates having put his side 1-3 ahead. Picture: SNS

Dominique Malonga has completed his move to Italian fallen giants Pro Vercelli after quitting Hibs.

The 27-year-old, pictured, who previously turned out in Italy with Torino, Foggia, Cesena and Vicenza, scored 22 goals in 54 appearances for the Easter Road side, becoming a cult hero with the fans.

He also claimed international recognition with Congo, making once appearance at the 2015 African Cup of Nations. However, with the arrival of Anthony Stokes and Chris Dagnall, the Frenchman was faced with the prospect of reduced first-team football under head coach Alan Stubbs.

Rather than accept a rotation role, he yesterday completed the formalities of his switch to Pro Vercelli, who claimed seven top-flight titles in Italy between 1908 and 1922.

Malonga took part in his first training session with the Serie B side yesterday and is in contention to make his debut against Latina this weekend. As a farewell message to Hibs fans, the former Murcia forward backed the club to claim the Championship title, writing: “Aurevoir #Hibs you can do it #Merci”

Hibs have also confirmed that Islam Feruz has returned to Chelsea following a miserable loan spell in the capital.

The 20-year-old made six substitute appearances for the club, totalling 63 minutes, as he failed to make any impact during another ill-fated loan for the Scotland under-21 international.

Meanwhile, fellow striker Jamie Insall will remain on loan at East Fife from Hibs until the end of the season after scoring three goals in nine outings since joining the League Two side in November.