Paul Hanlon insists Hibs' free-scoring strikers have lifted a huge strain off the defence by weighing in with a barrowload of goals.

Alan Stubbs' Championship promotion hopefuls have netted 50 times in 25 games this season, with leading marksmen Dominique Malonga and Jason Cummings on 13 and 12 apiece respectively.

It was a completely different story last season when the Leith outfit lost their place in the top-flight, with Hibs averaging less than a goal a match. That meant there was little margin for error at the back but centre-half Hanlon insists this campaign has been a breath of fresh air.

Speaking ahead of today's trip to Alloa, Hanlon said: "I suppose it does put more pressure on you if you are going out there and thinking: 'We are going to struggle to score today so I better play well.' Last season was tough but we have all moved on now, we are full of confidence and playing good football and that is down to the manager and the staff who have come in.

"This year it's completely different. We believe that our strikers will do their job and we just have to keep it tight at the back. Of recent times that's been the case. It's a good combination to have. First and foremost I go out into every game looking for a clean sheet because we know we have players who can win us the game. Midfielders can score goals and the strikers have plenty goals between them so we know that if we can do our job at the back, then it gives us a chance."

Cummings is one of those that has helped ensure that Hanlon has had a more enjoyable campaign. The 19-year-old, who was recently caught-up in bizarre muffin-throwing incident at McDonald's that saw the teenager banned from the Gorgie Road branch in Edinburgh, is the Championship's joint-top scorer. Cummings was working as a gardener as recently as 2012 when he was dumped by city rivals Hearts but his exploits in the box paved the way for what Hanlon hopes will be a return to the top-flight.

Hanlon added: "He has that striker's confidence about him, he just wants the ball in the box and more often than not he will usually find the net. He will miss chances but it doesn't affect him. He knows he can score and he will demand it the next time believing he will score. That's something that will stand him in good stead for his career as he grows up in the game. Jason is a young talent who is trying to mature in the game, he has a great future ahead of him and can only learn from the likes of Dom and Frank Dja Djedje, who have been around different clubs and countries and have good experiences."