Why Elie Youan thinks facing Rangers will be easier than Forfar as Hibs star reveals key role in Maolida transfer

Elie Youan insists he doesn’t fear the competition for places after Myziane Maolida's arrival at Hibs - revealing he actually played a huge part in convincing the French ace to sign. The duo were international team mates at U18, 19 and 20 level for France in a star-studded side that also included Liverpool stopper Ibrahima Konate, Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and Aston Villa duo Moussa Diaby and Boubacar Kamara.

At that point in his career Maolida had already broken into Lyon’s top team in Ligue 1 before making a £8m move to Nice. Now the 24-year-old has teamed up again with Youan in Leith after sealing a loan switch from Hertha Berlin. Maolida bumps up the competition for forward spots in Nick Montgomery’s Hibs side with fellow new signing Emiliano Marcondes also set to fight Martin Boyle, Jair Tavares and Youan for a starting shirt.

But Youan said: “I’ve not been waiting for them to come to bring competition, I compete every day. Emiliano I don’t know well but Myziane I know from the national team. We played there two or three years together so I know his quality.

“It was a very big generation and I enjoyed a lot playing with the national team. You play with the best players at your age, which is good to compete. In that team was Moussa Diaby, Boubacar Kamara, Ibrahima Konate, Matteo Guendouzi — a lot of good players.

“I’m very happy to have him here at Hibs. He texted me before coming here and he asked me lots about the club. I told him it was the best place for him if he wants to play and improve. He needs that. He was struggling in Germany so it’s good for him to come here.

“He asked some questions. He wanted to know about Hibernian. Now he is here and everybody is going to see what he’s got.

“He played for big