Belgium star Youri Tielemans has backed Shaun Maloney to be a success at Hibs.
Maloney swapped working at Roberto Martinez's superstars for the top job at Easter Road on Monday.
But Tielemans was caught off guard by Sky Sports, as he was told that the former Celtic player was leaving the Belgium set-up.
The Leicester midfielder has backed Maloney to make a smooth transition into his first post as manager in the Scottish Premiership.
Tielemans said: "Firstly, congratulations to him, because I didn't know before this interview.
"I'm sad for myself because he is a really good guy, good person and I think he will do well as a manager because he has got the experience.
"Firstly, with working with one of the best squads as a national team with Belgium. We have a really good squad with some really good players, and some real quality players.
"He has done a really good job with us. He is really respected inside the group. He is a really good guy, like I said, and a very good professional.
"He knows as a player what it takes to win and to motivate players, and to prepare players for games, and that's what you want from your manager."
