Rudi Molotnikov full Q&A after first Easter Road goal

A special night for you - was it hard to stay cool at the goal?

"It was amazing, I couldn't have asked for it to go any better, a 5-1 win and a goal on my first competitive start at Easter Road. My family was in the stand too so it was really special.

I was very cool at the goal but to be honest, I can't remember much about it! It all happened so quickly, I just remember the ball beating the keeper and me turning around to see all the fans. Like I say, it was really special."

Were all your family here?

"Unfortunately, on Saturday there, they had a family event, and on Tuesday night my mum was ill. But my dad and my sister, and her boyfriend, were all in the stand. So it was special for them to be there."

What has David Gray said to you?

"He's just let me be me. I think the players who have come around me and made me feel part of this team, they've allowed me to express myself and be myself as a player. The gaffer has made me feel like I'm at home, and that this is where he wants me to be. That's helped, obviously."

The manager says you are taking your chance - that must be good to hear?

"Yeah, it's definitely nice to hear the manager speaking about me positively. He has helped me a lot. But it's obviously only been two games.

"There are a lot more games to come, hopefully, and I've got to keep proving to myself, and proving to him, that I should be starting each game. Hopefully I do. Then we'll take it from there."

Was this season always going to be make-or-break now you're too old for the U18s?

"Yeah, to an extent. I mean, a loan was always an option. But my dad really pushed me towards the better option - staying here and pushing myself to be a starting player for Hibs. He really helped me with that.

"When my time in the 18s finished, I did have that moment where you think: 'Right, what do I do know?' I'm happy with how it's gone so far."

You mention your dad's influence - did you have doubts you could make it at this level?

"Yes and no. I mean, every player has to believe in themselves. But you can't be too big-headed, can't think beyond what is happening, look too far into the future. You have to just stay level-headed and do what you can, be in the moment.  I think I've done that."

How valuable was your loan spell at Stirling Albion?

"Stirling was obviously a massive learning curve - probably more because I didn't play! I think I learned a lot. I learned what it's like to be on the end of that. I learned what it's like to experience relegation; that was a big part of it.

"So coming into pre-season, I was ready to put my head down. I wanted to hit the ground running."

Which senior players have taken you under their wing?

"To be honest, I couldn't begin to single out one person. They've all been great with me, great with the other young boys and brilliant with the new players, helping them settle quickly. We're a really good team at the moment, I feel. 

"Obviously this is my second experience of being around the first team group regularly. It's been a big change. But I feel really comfortable in myself right now."