Hibernians started their Euro Cup campaign in style when they easily disposed of Birkirkara 5-0 at the Centenary Stadium today.

It was an impressive performance from the 2012 FA Trophy winners who were all over their opponents right from the outset.The Paolites took just five minutes to forge ahead when Andrew Cohen created space for himself on the right before drifting a dangerous cross into the path of Jean Paul Farrugia who headed the ball past Birkirkara goalkeeper Michael Magri.

Cohen was again the provider on 14 minutes when the Malta international showed great vision to release Clayton Failla who saw his first effort repelled by the onrushing Magri but from the rebound the Hibs winger blasted the ball into the net.

Birkirkara's best chance came four minutes from the break when Jorge beat the Hibs' offside trap but his effort diverted onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Mario Muscat before the Paolites cleared.

Hibs all but wrapped up their win on 59 minutes when Joseph Zerafa's attempted backheader was too short and in  came Farrugia who lobbed the ball home.There were more woes for Birkirkara as 13 minutes from time defender Rodrigo Pereira was shown his second yellow card of the day and was dismissed.

Hibs added a fourth goal on 80 minutes when substitute Steve Pisani was first to Cohen's free-kick and his glancing header flew into the net.Farrugia completed his hat-trick in time added on when he blasted home the rebound after Cohen's chip came off the woodwork.