Owen Elding scored his first Hibernian goal and fellow recent arrival Ante Suto also netted as the Easter Road side responded to their Edinburgh derby defeat with a comfortable Scottish Premiership win over St Mirren.

Striker Elding, 19, joined in January from Sligo Rovers and got the big build-up from head coach David Gray before the game, asking the Irishman to bring “youthful energy” to his side.

He provided that and the opening goal on his first start, glancing in a superb header from Dan Barlaser’s cross just before half-time.

It should have been 2-0 when Nicky Cadden hung up a cross to the back post, but Felix Passlack could only smack a post with his volley.

On Valentine’s Day, Hibs almost gifted St Mirren an equaliser when Miguel Chaiwa misplaced a backpass and allowed Mikael Mandron a run at goal, but the striker saw his shot well saved by Raphael Sallinger.

The visitors were feeling generous, though, and repaid the favour when Shamal George spilled Cadden’s cross straight to Suto, who bundled in from close range.

Suto, who joined on deadline day from Slaven Belupo, scored the winner against Dundee United on his debut 10 days ago and has made a lightning start to his Hibs career.

The hosts remain fifth but move just two points behind Motherwell, while St Mirren slip to 10th, only three points clear of Kilmarnock.