OWEN ELDING MARKED his full Hibernian debut with a goal as David Gray’s side bounced back from their Edinburgh derby disappointment with a comfortable 2-0 victory over St Mirren.

Elding, who arrived on a permanent deal from Sligo Rovers last month, glanced in a first-half header before fellow January recruit Ante Suto added another after the break.

It was an encouraging, if not spectacular, display from the hosts as they put the pain of Tuesday’s late 1-0 defeat to Hearts behind them.

The victory moves Hibs to within two points of fourth-placed Motherwell in the Premiership, albeit the Steelmen have two games in hand.

Hibs broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a well-taken header from Elding.

The 19-year-old got on the end of Dan Barlaser’s menacing cross and used the pace of the ball to glance his effort into the far corner.

The cushion of a second goal came in the 66th minute from Suto, just two minutes after the striker replaced Dane Scarlett.

Nicky Cadden skinned Conor McMenamin at the byline and his driven low cross into the area was palmed straight to Suto by Shamal George and the January arrival prodded home from just yards out.

Elding is tackled by St Mirren's Miguel Freckleton. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Hibs boss David Gray said: “I’m delighted for Owen on his first start. He’s had to be patient just through circumstances and he’s not got on in the last couple of games as well.

“I thought he affected the game in a positive way against Rangers when he came on.

And everything we hoped to see from him today we definitely did, which was bringing that energy, that youthful exuberance to the game that I think was required off the back of the disappointment of last week.

“For that goal, there is his movement, anticipating where the ball’s going to go, getting across people.

“He’ll come on from that as well. He’s someone I’ve got high hopes for but at the same time still a young boy, still learning.