Adrian Mifsud (picture) has cemented his place in the Hibs' folklore as the 18 goals he scored in the 2002-03 Premier League season have propelled him to the summit of the club's all-time scorers' charts.

With an overall tally of 84 goals since he joined Hibernians in 1999, Mifsud has overtaken Ernest Spiteri Gonzi as the club's best scorer.

According to local football researcher Carmel Baldacchino, Spiteri Gonzi's overall scoring record for Hibs stood at 81 goals.

"I am delighted to be recognised as Hibs' best scorer of all time," Mifsud told The Times yesterday.

"I am not really that keen on personal records but to break a long-standing mark in less than four seasons gives me great satisfaction.

"My goals' tally goes a long way towards repaying the faith Hibs showed in me when they acquired me from Rabat.

"Hibernians were the club I always wanted to play for and to be part of their history makes me immensely proud."

Spiteri Gonzi, a former Malta international, struck his last competitive goal in Hibernians' 2-1 league victory over Zurrieq on November 24, 1984. It was Spiteri Gonzi's 81st goal for Hibernians whom he joined in 1972.

Mifsud, capped 14 times by Malta, was on mark in Hibernians' 1-1 draw against Valletta in their last Premier League match on Saturday. The former Rabat striker can still increase his overall tally this season as Hibernians are in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.

Tomorrow, they take on Sliema Wanderers at 6.30 p.m.

Spiteri Gonzi is still the most prolific Hibs' scorer in the league, though, with 72 goals to his credit.

However, that record is expected to fall next season as Mifsud, winner of the MFA Player of the Year award in Hibs' 2001-2002 title-winning campaign, is only one goal short of Spiteri Gonzi's mark.

The 28-year-old Mifsud, the 2002-03 Premier League top marksman along with Birkirkara's Michael Galea and Danilo Doncic of Sliema, has now set his sights on becoming Hibs' all-time scorer in the league. His contract with the club has one more year to run.