Hibernian

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Hibs head coach David Gray has "turned a corner" from a sticky start this season, says Joelle Murray, as the Easter Road club approach a massive Conference League play-off.

Hibs are bidding to reach a league phase of European competition for the first time and take on Gent in tonight's first leg in Belgium.

Gray's side opened their European campaign with defeat by Malisheva, before winning the second leg to progress, then lost their Premiership opener at home to Motherwell.

However, they have picked up with an aggregate win over Shkendija and a victory away to Rangers.

"David Gray has certainly, from that point, turned a corner with the squad," Hibs women manager and former Scotland player Murray told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"We talk about transition and it's not easy when you've got players, regardless of how many players it is out and in. He's now got the players settled in a rhythm.

"[Gent are] a very difficult team to play against. They're on a decent run of form but so are Hibs. You can really now see the players are gelling together.

"I'm excited to see how this one plays out because it's a step up again in European opposition for Hibs."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Planet Group Arena, Belgium

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You never know who's watching...

That's very much Josh Mulligan's approach as the midfielder hopes to impress in Hibernian's Conference League play-off against Gent.

The 23-year-old has been subject to interest from Italy and England, but the Scot had eyes closer to home in mind, in the form of new Scotland head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli.

While David Gray's Hibs hope to smash through the target they set on day one of pre-season - creating history by advancing to European league-phase football - the former Dundee player, who was called up to Steve Clarke's squad but has yet to make an appearance, is planning to catch Pocognoli's attention.

When it was highlighted putting out a side from the national team's boss' home country couldn't do any arm, Mulligan replied with a smile: "I know. He might be watching the game, you just never know who's watching.

"I don't know the new manager's thinking. I think everyone will be really looking to do well and try and get in that squad

"It's just what you do on the pitch. You'll get your rewards for what you do on the pitch."

What we do know, though, is Mulligan is not getting caught up in transfer speculation.

"I don't get too far ahead of myself," he added. "I always try and stick to what's going on on the pitch, I just don't want to get in the way of anything, really."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There was a lot to like about Hibernian's performance last week in North Macedonia.

Playing on a difficult surface in a hot and stifling atmosphere, they rarely looked in trouble and, when Shkendija did press late on, the defence stood strong.

The tie could easily have gone the other way, but the discipline and spirit shown by everyone on the pitch were a joy to behold.

Scottish clubs have often struggled after returning from a demanding European trip, but Hibs got the job done against Partick Thistle to maintain their pursuit of League Cup silverware.

Now it is on to another European encounter, where Gent await in Belgium.

They are a side who do not score loads of goals but are miserly at the other end. In their six games so far this season Rik De Mil's side have netted six, with just two conceded. That suggests a team that are strong defensively and difficult to break down.

With the first leg away from home, this would be an ideal opportunity for Hibs to lay down a marker and send a message that they are a team to be reckoned with.

The prize is significant. Reaching the league stage of European competition for the first time would create Hibs history, while the additional revenue would of course be welcome.

This is a huge tie for David Gray's side.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Planet Group Arena, Belgium

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"I think they've got a wee bit of everything," David Gray says of Hibernian's Conference League opponents, KAA Gent.

Nae pressure, then, Hibs.

The Belgian Pro League outfit host Gray's side in the first leg of their play-off tie and he is under no illusions "two complete performances" will be required in their quest to create history and reach the group/league phase of a European competition for the first time.

"This is by far the toughest test we've had in Europe so far," the head coach told BBC Scotland in Ghent on Wednesday evening, "but it's one the players need to look forward to.

"It's going to take a huge effort to try and get over the line. It's going to take two complete performances, because it is a side that are used to playing in Europe, they're playing at a very good level in the Belgian League, always up near the top.

"They've got real quality throughout their squad, a real good balance within it - a good bit of youth and experience - really good athletes that will certainly hurt you on their day, so we need to be ready for that."

But Gray wasn't only focused on Gent. He says his squad ought to come into the tire with "all the confidence in the world," especially how they've navigated the last couple of hectic weeks.

"I think over the last couple of seasons we've been very fortunate in trying to create our own history and tomorrow's another opportunity to go and do that," he added.

"It's also important to remind the players that they deserve to be here because of what we've achieved so far.

"Some of the results and performances, especially away from home, in Europe last year were memorable and nice to be involved in.

"We're going to need another one of them tomorrow night to give us the best chance to get through."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Planet Group Arena, Belgium

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David Gray spoke to BBC Scotland before Hibernian's Conference League play-off tie first leg against KAA Gent on Thursday.

Here are the best bits from the head coach:

• Having the opportunity to play for European league phase football was the aim on day one of pre-season, and Gray insists his players have "earned the right" to achieve that.

• His side are "in a really good frame of mind" to create history and they are excited by the challenge.

• The squad is "getting healthier by the day" and although a few picked up a few niggles after Partick Thistle, everyone took part in training on Wednesday, whether it was modified or a full session.

• Gray believes Gent are a very "balanced" side with a mix of youth and experience, quality and a number of "really good athletes" who can hurt opponents on their day.

• The second leg will be in mind, but he's not going to be happy with a draw or defeat, winning on Thursday will be the message.

• On his "rollercoaster" 100 games in charge, Gray reiterates it "might not look like I enjoy it, but I do, I am thoroughly enjoying it" and adds he's excited because he knows there is more to come from this group.

• Along with the incredible travelling fans again, he hopes to share "a special night" and to send them home happy.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Ghent, Belgium

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Owen Elding. Nathan Lowe. Felix Passlack.

Three names - in addition to "the two centre-backs" - that Gent head coach Rik De Mil highlighted as he previewed his side's Conference League play-off first leg at home to Hibernian on Thursday.

But he was quick to add it's "the collective, the combination" that is the biggest strength of David Gray's team - who will be "the best opponent we've faced this season".

"They're a really good team, it's a really good challenge for us," former goalkeeper De Mil said.

"They showed already when they played against Rangers, they have the qualities.

"It's a very good mix for me between some young players and experienced.

"Lowe and Elding have really good qualities, but then you have Passlack and the two centre-backs who are experienced.

"They have several qualities and they can play also in different styles - but it's about the dynamic of the team, not two or three individual qualities.

"It's one collective goal, what they do collective-wise and as a combination is key - it's what the rest do.

"So, in both ways, it's going to be a nice challenge for us, against the best opponent this season we've played against."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

It's been a huge week for David Gray.

He was able to say with some justification that Hibs have had a "strong start" to the season in the wake of our 0-0 draw in North Macedonia, which set up a Conference League play-off against Gent.

Gray has overcome early-season adversity - a shock defeat in Kosovo left a large section of the support pushing for change, while his case was not helped by defeat to Motherwell in the league opener.

But we've seen the Hibs boss turn around these situations before, and Sunday's win against Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup was another potential banana skin avoided.

The past few games haven't been great on the eye, but it's a results business and Gray is right to feel vindicated by pointing to the start we've had to the season.

I'm hoping the noise around his future dies down, but I'd be kidding myself if I claimed everyone was happy with how we've been playing.

Considering the schedule and the key players he's been without, Gray deserves some slack from the support.

A good result on Thursday in Belgium will go a long way to keeping fans onside, but in the meantime Gray deserves huge credit for finding ways to dig out results even if we're not playing at our best.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Hibernian are finalising a deal to sign striker Colton Swan from Charleston Battery, with the 19-year-old set to move once the USL Championship season is over in November. Tom Bogert on X, external

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Jack Iredale praised Hibernian's character and physicality in Sunday's narrow Premier Sports Cup victory over Partick Thistle.

Owen Elding's goal sealed a 1-0 win and a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Ross County in Dingwall.

Hibs have played five matches already this month and have four more to come, starting with a trip to Gent in Conference League qualifying on Thursday.

"Really good result considering the past week," Iredale told HibsTV.

"The boys were excellent for the most part in terms of the physicality that was needed. Now we look forward to Thursday.

"Character has already been tested this season and we've stood up to it every time."

Iredale has missed most of the start of the season after appendicitis surgery, external, but played 61 minutes against Thistle.

"It's been an odd few weeks," the Australian said. "Hopefully just get that rhythm and match fitness back quick."

Hibs fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's Premier Sports Cup victory against Partick Thistle.

Here's what some of you said:

Kev: Another result despite the performance. The football that Hibs are playing is eye-bleedingly bad. Having only 40% possession against a championship team is embarrassing.

Kenny: A performance that was far from convincing but a win is a win nevertheless. We now have a great chance to get to the semi-final although this can be a tricky place to go but I'm sure it's a game the players will look forward to. Before the transfer window closes we need to add a goal scorer. We are simply not putting away enough chances. But, well done guys.

Niall: Much better result than it looks given the tight turn around from both Macedonia and Ibrox, and credit to Thistle - they look a serious side and will be right up there for promotion. Hibs really should target a run in this competition - feels like this is a genuine chance at a Hampden trip.

Martin: They won't get much credit for the performance, but all you can ask for after an energy-sapping game on Thursday is to be in the hat for the next round. A lovely finish from Owen Elding who on another day could have had a hat-trick. On to Gent.

Alan: This style of football can't go on. Supporting this club is demanding attacking football and we're miles from that.

Owen Elding's first-half goal was enough for Hibernian to edge out Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle to reach the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "It ended up a classic cup tie towards the end.

"I've just massively praised the players because of everything that went into this week. Winning at Ibrox, travelling to Macedonia and getting through that tie, the quick turnaround and getting through the cup, it was always going to be a really difficult game.

"I thought we started the game brilliantly but we missed too many gilt-edged chances and we were heavily reliant on the goalkeeper at the end to make sure it didn't go to extra time.

"We're in the next round of the cup, we're competing at every level and we want this to continue for as long as we can."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jason Kerr believes a clean sheet away to Shkendija can provide the platform Hibernian to reach the league stage of the Conference League.

Hibs drew 0-0 in sweltering conditions in Skopje, progressing 2-1 on aggregate to reach the play-off round for the second successive season, with Belgian side Gent their seeded opponents.

"It's going to take a lot, but I'm fully confident in the players we've got in the dressing room," said Kerr. "There's a lot of quality and I think we can do it.

"Getting the clean sheet as well, first of the season, we'll take confidence from that, especially as defenders.

"It was a completely different game from the first leg. We had to ride our luck a little bit. We made a good few blocks, a lot of defensive actions.

"It was not the best game to watch, but, when you're ahead in the tie, you take that all day. Getting through is all that really matters."

Hibs had to cope with temperatures of around 30C at kick-off, but Kerr believes the incentive of moving one step closer to European league stage football for the first time helped players overcome the conditions.

"It wasn't as hot as I thought it would be, to be fair," said the 29-year-old. "It was humid and it does drain you, but the thought of getting through to the next round gives you that extra bit of motivation and determination.

"I think all the lads felt that in the last 10 minutes. Putting our bodies on the line at times, I just felt like we deserved that."

Before their European campaign resumes in Belgium next Thursday, Hibs turn their attention Sunday's Premier Sports Cup tie with Partick Thistle at Easter Road.

"We're two games away from a semi-final, potentially," added Kerr. "So it's a massive game and that's us three unbeaten now. We need to keep that run going and get through in another cup competition.

"It'll be a tough game. I know Partick Thistle have done well the past couple of years, so we won't be taking them lightly. But I think that's one we can get past as well."

Hibs fans, we asked for your views after Thursday night's goalless draw against Shkendija in North Macedonia booked a spot in the Conference League play-off.

Here's what some of you said:

Calum: Job done. Not pretty but a clean sheet away in Europe is nothing to be sniffed at.

John: Well done Hibs, not the best of games to watch but who cares. Getting to the play-offs is all that counted. I feel the team were never in any danger, Shkendija played better at Easter Road.

Kenny: A great result following on from the win against Rangers at the weekend. David Gray now needs to have more faith that we can beat teams around us without resorting to the defensive tactics that we seem to deploy in the Premiership. The fans will get behind the manager and the team if we can play off the the front foot and stop losing goals when we give the ball away just outside the 18-yard box. The players are there, no good being too negative.

A Graham: Gray says Shkendija were a really good side, they were awful and we played at their level over the tie with poor passing. We were lacklustre up front and our record signing can't get a game. Hopefully some more signings to come as I'm struggling to see improvements in the ones we have so far. Hopefully we'll click into gear as the Rangers game seems the exception to the norm right now.

Neil: Well done Hibs, not pretty but a professional job. Let's hope we can get over this last hurdle and into the next stage for the first time.

Eddie: Really poor football. Nearly every second ball is brought away by the opposition. Almost every long ball from goal, and nearly every throw in gives possession away. Random headers into the sky give possession away. Nobody in green and white seems to be able to control a ball when it arrives to feet. Only consolation, the other team were worse.

Hibernian progressed to the Conference League play-offs with a gritty goalless draw against Shkendija in sweltering Skopje.

Read the match report here.

Have your say here.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "I'm delighted for the players. A brilliant time to get our first clean sheet of the season.

"Don't underestimate how big an achievement that is against a really good side.

"It wasn't a brilliant game, but bodies on the line and our players stepped up. A really positive win, especially off the back of Sunday.

"We found a way to get through and I'm delighted for the players - they thoroughly deserve it.

"First half there wasn't much in it, it was a flat game. Our shape was good and we restricted them to very little.

"Over the course of the two legs, I don't think anyone could say we don't deserve to go through.

"The players have earned the right to have another go at the play-offs.

"You see the strength of the squad with the players coming off the bench. We've had a brilliant start to the season.

"The important thing now is to recover the players, cool them down, and they can be proud of what they've achieved."

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Hibernian will demand a fee in excess of £4m before agreeing to sell Miguel Chaiwa and are in no rush to part with the Zimbabwe midfielder. The Herald, external