Hibernian striker Elias Melkersen has vowed to ‘work his socks off’ to make his latest loan move a success.
The 20-year-old has returned home to Norway to join Strømsgodset temporarily until the January transfer window.
It comes after three appearances so far this season for the marksman, who started the ill-fated defeat to Inter Club d’Escaldes in Andorra before substitute’s outings against Luzern and Motherwell.
Melkersen, who joined Hibs from Bodø/Glimt in January last year, was also farmed out for the second half of last season but played just twice, as a replacement, for Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Manager Lee Johnson is adamant Hibs remain convinced the Norway under-21 cap will come good.
However, with Christian Doidge and new signings Adam Le Fondre and Dylan Vente ahead of him in the pecking order they are keen for the youngster to get more game-time in his homeland.
Johnson said: “Elias has all the attributes to be a top player but needs regular football to continue his development.
“This loan move allows him to gain that in a league and country he knows well.
“We want him to use this loan as an opportunity to showcase his ability, and come back an even better player in January after the loan concludes.”
Melkersen made an instant impact at Hibs last year, scoring a double in his first start in a 2-1 Scottish Cup win away to Motherwell.
But he has managed just one more goal in a total of 32 appearances for Hibs and is determined to make the most of his latest loan.
He said: “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Strømsgodset, and when they showed so much interest in me it was very tempting to come here.
“I have got the impression that Godset is a nice and down-to-earth family club with close ties.
“I will contribute by working my socks off for the team and be a threat in front of goal. I will come with lots of energy.”
