Hibernian proved there is life after Lokomotiv Moscow-bound Garry O'Connor as they continued their European push with a clinical first-half demolition of Dundee United at Easter Road.

O'Connor, the 22-year-old Scotland striker, is set to complete an estimated £1.6 million protracted move to the Russian outfit early next week, but Scottish Cup semi-finalists Hibs barely missed his input.

Strikes from top scorer Derek Riordan, an own goal from Alan Archibald and Chris Killen did the damage before 16-year-old United sub David Goodwillie pulled one back late on.

United, still seeking a first victory under Craig Brewster, passed up some excellent chances but keeper Craig Samson - a stand-in for the absent Derek Stillie - couldn't keep Hibs out at the other end.

New Zealander Killen saw a looped effort on the turn drop over Samson's bar after two minutes before Hibs grabbed the goal their early play deserved four minutes later.

After some neat build-up play from Kevin Thomson, the midfielder fed Riordan on the left who cut inside two United defenders and drilled a low right-footed shot from 22 yards into the bottom left-hand corner.

It was Riordan's 17th of the season and a timely reminder he could still net without strike partner O'Connor.

United almost hit back in the 10th minute when ex-Hibs man Grant Brebner saw a dipping long-range half-volley clip the top of Simon Brown's bar.

Mark Kerr then should have done better from six yards than miss-hit a shot wide after a David Fernandez knock-down.

However, their work was undone when Hibs added a second in the 24th minute.

Riordan led makeshift full-back David McCracken - back in the line-up after suspension - a merry dance on the left and clipped a cross to the back post for Paul Dalglish's head.

But Archibald did the job for him, the centre-half heading past the stranded Samson.

United looked to quickly get back into the game, but again shot themselves in the foot to concede a third.

Riordan's long ball over the top looked harmless, but Killen was on to it in a flash and showed great physique to win the ball ahead of Garry Kenneth before driving a close-range angled shot across Samson.

With 32 minutes on the clock, it was 3-0 Hibs and talk of O'Connor's move was a distant thought.

Brewster was clearly unimpressed with the opening half from his charges, withdrawing ineffective Spaniard Fernadez and Stuart Duff for Collin Samuel and David Robertson at the start of the second period.

The move immediately sparked some renewed urgency in his team and Robson brought out a smart save from Brown at his near post on 48 minutes.

McCracken then should have pulled one back from Robson's free-kick but he glanced a free header wide.

It was now end to end and Dalglish brought out a flying save from Samson after a long-range effort.

On 76 minutes Brewster's side missed their best chance of the game as Robson picked out substitute Samuel in space at the back post but the Trinidadian could only prod the ball at Brown's legs.

Riordan and Steven Whittaker were off target with Hibs efforts before a smart close-range save from Samson denied the onrushing sub Ivan Sproule on 81 minutes.

United manfully battled on and claimed a consolation when Goodwillie tapped in his first goal for the club two minutes from the end after Samuel had hit the bar and then Robertson the post.

Teams:

Hibernian Simon Brown, Whittaker, Smith, Caldwell, Murphy,Stewart (Konde 56), Thomson, Glass, Riordan,Killen (Fletcher 75), Dalglish (Sproule 61).

Subs Not Used: Malkowski, Hogg, Konte, McCluskey.

Booked: Killen.

Goals: Riordan 6, Archibald 25 og, Killen 33.

Dundee Utd Samson, Kenneth, Archibald, McCracken, Mair, Kerr,Brebner, Robson, Duff (Robertson 47), Miller (Goodwillie 86),Fernandez (Samuel 45).

Subs Not Used: Abbot, Gardiner, McInnes, Gibson.

Booked: Robson, Kerr, Brebner.

Goals: Goodwillie 89.

Att: 16,266

Ref: B Winter (Scotland).