Congo call-up for Hibs striker Dominique Malonga

HIBERNIAN head coach Alan Stubbs is resigned to losing leading scorer Dominique Malonga for the forthcoming clash with Queen of the South after the striker received an international call-up from Congo.

Dominique Malonga, far left, celebrates after firing Hibs in front against Hearts. Picture: Neil Hanna

The 25-year-old, who arrived from Italian Serie A side A.C. Cesena on a two-year deal in September, has hit the ground running in Leith, netting six times in nine appearances.

Congo are desperate to have the marksman available for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria and Sudan on 15 and 19 November respectively.

Despite Malonga conceding that he is torn by his dilemma, Hibs fully expect the Paris-born player, who has Congolese parents, to join up with the squad for the first time.

Hibs, who host the Doonhamers on the same day that Congo face Nigeria, have made it clear to the France Under-19 cap that the decision is solely down to him.

Malonga said: “I think the club is happy if I go, and happy if I don’t go.

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“If I go, they are happy because they have the possibility to have an international player in their team. I want to stay here and help my team win but on the other hand I want to go and help my country go to the African Nations. It is something I would be keen to do if it didn’t affect my club.

“It is a tough decision but it is my decision.”

The central African country sit second in qualifying Group A and will seal their place at next year’s finals in Morocco should they beat Nigeria at home a week on Saturday.

The tournament takes place between 17 January and 8 February next year and Hibs, who travel to Cowdenbeath this weekend, could face being without Malonga for up to four games if Congo qualify.

Malonga admits he has turned down previous invites to join the squad.

He added: “Congo ask me all the time to come with them.

“Before, I wasn’t ready in my head. I wanted to stay with my club because every time the games are when my club plays and, for me, it was more important to stay with my club.

“I wasn’t ready yet in my mentality. But now, we will see. It’s a very tough decision.”

Meanwhile, Jake Sinclair pressed his claims for a first-team place after scoring an impressive hat-trick for Hibs under-20s in a thumping 6-2 win over Dundee United at Ainslie Park on Tuesday.

Lewis Allan (2) and Alex Harris were the other goalscorers for the team now coached by former Easter Road favourite Joe McBride jnr, while United’s scorers were Ola Adeyemo and Jamie Montgomery.

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