Alan Stubbs, the Hibernian head coach, believes that Dominique Malonga's weekend hat trick was inspired by the striker's first trip to Africa to represent Congo in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Malonga made his debut in a 1-0 win over Sudan last week as his national team reached January's finals before brushing off a gruelling return to Scotland with a clinical display for his club side.
The Paris-born striker's three goals helped see off Dumbarton and proved how significant his absence had been for Hibs. Indeed, just seven days earlier the Easter Road side had laboured to a goalless draw at home to Queen of the South.
"He's come back and he's got a big smile on his face," said Stubbs, whose club have been given a full allocation of tickets for the New Year Edinburgh derby against Hearts at Tynecastle. "He's seen some of his family for the first time and it was emotional, but it has given him a lot of confidence. It showed that he is an important player for us."
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