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Michael Stewart says Hibs have 'top class' star on their hands as he names his Conference League hope Hibs forward has played a key role in their recent form resurgence Hibs’ in-form striker Owen Elding could be a difference maker ahead of the match with Shkendija, after showcasing his ‘top class’ potential, according to pundit Michael Stewart. The 20-year old forward bagged the opener at Easter Road last week in the first leg of Hibs’ UEFA Conference League third round qualifier against the North Macedonians. He was subsequently benched for the victory at Ibrox as gaffer David Gray manages minutes - but still had an impact on the game despite coming on in the 90th minute, as he started the counter-attack that led to Callum Wright’s heroic winner. Having played a part in both 2-1 victories, former Hibs and Hearts midfielder Stewart has hailed him ahead of second leg on Thursday night. If the Hibees can hold on - or even add to their advantage - they’ll progress to the play-off round, where they’ll face either IFK Gothenburg of Sweden or KAA Gent of Belgium. ‘Top quality’ Elding to regain spot in starting XI With the games coming thick and fast for Hibs, the manager benched the likes of striker Elding and Nathan Lowe, as well as wing-back Felix Passlack at Ibrox. With two wins from two, Stewart has been impressed with Gray’s willingness to use the entire squad, while still getting results. Speaking to Premier Sports Social club, he said: "I give David Gray a fair bit of credit as well because I think he's tried to balance this game yesterday with Thursday. Because I would imagine the likes of Elding is going to be starting the game on Thursday. I think he's a real top quality player. So he's shuffled the pack a little bit there.” There is certainly a different atmosphere in Leith now than there was a week ago after they lost their Premiership opener in the last minute at home to Motherwell. Stewart believes the significance of the result at Ibrox cannot be understated, given that for the first time ever, Hibs have won there three seasons in a row. History-making Ibrox triumph brings back Leith feel-good factor He added: "I think Sunday was a huge result for David Gray because I think Hibs are another one of those sides where there's big expectation. This first month is a really important one for them. With the European context thrown in, losing the first game at home against Motherwell and then going away to Rangers at Ibrox, you're thinking to yourself, this could be a tough one with the potential of this away tie looming on Thursday. “It was so important to create a bit of positivity to go into Thursday night. Credit to David Gray because that is now a case of three seasons in a row they've gone and won at Ibrox. First time in Hibs history, I think that was. and that's obviously under his tutelage. You look at Hibs and I think there's great potential there. “Last season they never really reached it, so to get a result like that, it just brings that real feel-good factor back to the club. Hopefully they can carry that on Thursday over in Skopje and they get a positive result there as well. I like the middle of the park, Chaiwa and Mulligan. They are two good players. Loads of energy. I think Elding is a top-class player. I really do."