Instilling belief at Hibs: Setting mini-targets and rising confidence helping players - but squad knows it 'needs to go again' against Aberdeen, Rangers and Celtic

Stevie Mallan believes Hibs are benefiting from a burgeoning winning mentality within the squad after the Capital club clocked up their fourth win in five Premiership games against St Johnstone.

The Hibees moved joint-top of the league on Sunday with a 1-0 triumph in Perth thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from Mallan. Hibs have 13 points from 15 matches and have made their best start to a top-flight campaign since the 1974/75 season.

Mallan explained that confidence is rising within the Easter Road dressing-room every week and that the team is picking up points that they would not have done last term.

"It's massive for our belief, because times like this last year, we were getting beaten, or we drew,” said Mallan.

"It just shows the hard work that we've put in, and the winning mentality going from last year to this year. We've not conceded a goal in open play, which is a credit to the defence. Times like this last year, it was other teams getting last-minute goals ... that happened a lot last year. We've tried to nullify that as much as we can and the chances up front will take care of themselves with the boys that we've got at our disposal.”

Mallan also revealed that the squad had set targets for each mini-segment of matches, with the current total so far surpassing expectations.

"We had a sit-down at the start of the season and we looked at the first six, seven games and said exactly what points we want,” explained the 24-year-old midfielder. “We've given ourselves a target for the first little part and thankfully we're on track - in fact, we're doing a lot better.

"It's things like that, the gaffer wants to create a winning mentality in the squad. The league is wide open this year and we want to be in that top three, top four and right now we are on the right track.”

Jack Ross’ men face a stern test of their credentials when Aberdeen visit Edinburgh on Sunday, while Hibs also face Rangers and Celtic back-to-back in September. Mallan knows that Hibs will have to keep improving if they are maintain their lofty position in the league.

"The bigger matches are more important, like your Aberdeens, Celtics, Rangers ... I'm guessing we're going to sit down again and look at those games,” added Mallan.

"We need to go again, especially against the bigger clubs. It's against those teams that you want to go and showcase your talent. We'll outline the home games, because we want to make Easter Road one of the hardest places to come to for a travelling team. We're unbeaten but we have to take that forward into the next games.”