Hibernian

Alfie Robinson
BBC Sport Scotland

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Chris Cadden says "these are the games you want" as the Hibs right-back looks to flourish in a raucous atmosphere in Partizan Belgrade's stadium tonight.

Hibs are away to the Serbs in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier after an extra-time Europa League loss to Midtjylland last week.

"I've seen a few videos of their fans and stadium but that's what you want. A big European game in a brilliant atmosphere so we can't wait," said right-back Cadden.

"Partizan will be good and confident just like we are, so they will be tough but we'll play to our strengths and be prepared.

"That's why we worked so hard last year, and where you want to be, playing in Europe for a club like Hibs, so it's been great."

Cadden says there are "lots of positives" David Gray's side can take into the Partizan tie following their agonising elimination by Midtjylland, who scored two world-class goals at Easter Road.

"They're a top European side and we went toe to toe with them which shows the strength and quality of this group," added the Scotland cap.

"We're not happy going out but we can take a lot of positives from the performance against a quality side into Thursday."

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Hibs' Conference League opponents Partizan Belgrade may have skelped Ukrainians Oleksandria 6-0 in the previous round, but the Serbian giants are not the force of old, says well-travelled striker Cillian Sheridan.

The last of Partizan's 27 domestic titles came in 2017 and the former European Cup finalists have failed to progress beyond qualifying of continental competition in the past two seasons.

Like Hibs, they have dropped down from the Europa League this season following a penalty shootout defeat to AEK Larnaca of Cyprus.

Speaking to the BBC's Scottish football podcast before tonight's first leg in Belgrade, Sheridan said: "People are maybe going by Partizan's previous reputation, but I don't think they're the team they used to be.

"I know they've had a lot of financial problems and a transfer ban. I know they're a very young squad.

"I was talking to my friend who played them in the previous round for AEK Larnaca and he was saying in possession they're a very good team, very young, but they probably will give up chances.

"I actually fancy Hibs to go through more than not."

Hibernian are working on a deal to sign 21-year-old Zambia defensive midfielder Miguel Chaiwa from Young Boys. (Hibs Observer), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Belgrade

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Srdan Blagojevic, the Partizan Belgrade head coach, has highlighted Martin Boyle as the main danger to his side progressing to the play-off round in the Europa Conference League.

The Belgrade boss says the pace of the Hibernian forward is his main concern, and that he was impressed with the Easter Road club in their Europa League qualifiers against Midtjylland, despite eventually losing out to the Danes in extra-time.

"The fact Hibernian were eliminated after 119 minutes shows just how good Hibernian played in those two matches," said Blagojevic.

"Their biggest advantage is their directness, free-kicks and their intensity and physical strengths.

"There is no doubt if we want to have a good result tomorrow we must find a response to this intensity, be strong in the duels and try to win as many second balls as we can.

"We need to implement our style of play. We need to give them an answer."

When asked specifically which player Partizan need to look out for, the head coach replied: "Boyle. We will try to cope with his pace."

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Scotland defender Grant Hanley says it was "an easy decision" to join Hibernian.

The centre-back became a free agent after he was released by English League One winners Birmingham City earlier this summer.

But the 33-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal at Easter Road until 2027 and will be eligible to play in Thursday night's Conference League qualifier first leg at Partizan Belgrade.

"It's been a different time in my career," Hanley told Hibs TV, external.

"I've never been in this situation before in terms of being out of contract. I took my time on it, but I'm over the moon to be here.

"The stage of my career I'm at, I'm looking for a positive experience. I came to the games last week and saw the atmosphere, what the stadium is like. From there it was an easy decision for me.

"It's another challenge, it's totally different to anything I've experienced before. I know the size of the club, I know what's expected. I'm really looking forward to that challenge."

Hibs fans, how are you feeling about Hanley's arrival? Send us your thoughts.

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Head coach David Gray has been speaking to BBC Scotland before the first leg of Hibernian's Conference League third-round qualifier with Partizan Belgrade.

Here are the key lines:

• On dealing with the atmosphere in Belgrade and the challenge Partizan pose: "You need to deal with that challenge, it's a different one many of the players haven't experienced before and we'll make sure they are ready for it. That intensity and atmosphere is something we have to contend with."

• "It'll be a tough challenge," Gray adds. "Whether [Partizan] are what they were doesn't really matter, they are at the top end of their league for a reason, a good side and carry huge threat. I expect them to be fast and intense."

• On aiming to reach the league phase: "It's something that's not been done. I keep challenging the players to change history in positive ways. It's going to take huge effort and maximum performance levels. The players need to relish this opportunity."

• On the departure of defender Lewis Miller to Blackburn: "He was a big asset for us. I really enjoyed working with and it's big move for him as well. He fully deserves his move."

• On ultilising his squad amid a hectic start to the season: "It's about the squad, clearly. It's something I'll be looking at all the time. Everybody's in a good place and looking to get into the team."

• And on Kieron Bowie's impressive start to the campaign: "He's benefiting from a strong pre-season. He's really used his time out to really work on other areas of his game. I still believe there's a lot more to come from him as well."

• Team news: Rudi Molotnikov and Joe Newell are "still not quite there". Nicky Cadden is a doubt after picking up a "hamstring niggle" against Midtjylland last week.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Hibs earned all three points in their first Premiership game of the season with a 2-1 win over Dundee, and they've got one player in my team of the week.

Kieron Bowie scored two goals to sink Dundee. Is he Scotland's new number 9 in waiting? Has all the attributes.

We asked for your views on Hibs' Conference League draw.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: Could have been a lot tougher games. Hibs looked like they could hold their own against Midtjylland, they won't fear anyone going forward!

George: Who knows. They have, historically speaking, a pedigree, but current squad valued at around £17million says they're nothing too special. But we need to be the best we can be in both legs and then we'll see. David Gray and his back-of-house team will have the squad set up well, I'm sure, so play with confidence and qualify for the league stage, and then we'll see what follows.

Andrew: It feels like Belgrade has a stronger history than both next round potential opponents. The Europa League looks like a similar path, tough first round and had they been successful that it'd be an easier match? I suppose if you're going to qualify you need to beat the teams in front of you.

Neil: It's a draw that gives us a chance but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Get past Partizan first, and hopefully do that and maybe another couple of quality signings to help get us into the group stages.

Sandy: Only gets better when you hear the names of clubs you've known about for over 50 years. Bring on Partizan Belgrade followed by Legia Warsaw, good draws. It doesn't matter so long as we make the group stages. Onwards and Upwards.

Alex: Typical of Hibs to get nothing but tough draws. Going to be very difficult to get through to the group stage.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

It could have been a tough day for Hibs as we opened our league season campaign at Dens Park on Sunday.

The heroics and ultimate disappointment from the side on Thursday night must have taken its toll mentally and physically on David Gray's side.

However, Gray made only one change to his starting line-up and this tells us a lot about the standards he's setting at Hibs.

It would have been easy to give the players a break, rotate the squad and give a run out to some fringe players, however Gray threw down the gauntlet to his starters and told them he expected them to step up to the plate and prove some doubters wrong.

Which, of course, they did. Again. The packed away end launched into this season's favourite number - "Hibs away, uh-huh uh-huh, I like it!" - as the players took the applause at the end of a very, very comfortable win (don't be fooled by the narrow scoreline, Hibs bossed the game from first to last whistle).

Something very special is brewing at Hibernian. After the third-place finish last season, Hibs showed the optimism that surrounds the side with a packed Easter Road last Thursday night, and we'll do it again a week on Thursday when Partizan Belgrade come to Easter Road.

Before that, Hibs must go to Belgrade this week for the first leg and if we play anywhere close to the levels of last Thursday, we will have another scintillating European night to look forward to in Leith for the return tie.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Lewis Miller's move from Hibernian to Blackburn Rovers could bank the Easter Road club up to £1.5m. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

And Hibs are edging closer to a deal for Scotland defender Grant Hanley, who is a free agent after leaving Birmingham City. (Scotsman), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

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Lewis Miller has left Hibernian to join English Championship side Blackburn Rovers on a permanent deal.

The Edinburgh club say they have received a "significant fee" for the 24-year-old who still had a year left on his contract at Easter Road after they triggered his extension back in April.

The defender joined Hibs in the summer of 2022 and went on to make 85 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals in those outings.

"I'd like to start by thanking Millsy for all his efforts during his time with us," head coach David Gray said.

"Since making the move to Scotland, he's been coachable, willing to learn, and has relentlessly worked on his game. He's certainly seen the rewards for that both at club level and internationally.

"We know he can go a long way and wish him all the best in England with Blackburn."

Should Hibs overcome Partizan Belgrade, they will take on Legia Warsaw or AEK Larnaca in the Conference League Play-Off Round.

Hibs fans, what do you make of the draw? Would you be confident of progression should the side get into the play-off round?

Give us your thoughts here.

We asked for your views on Hibs' 2-1 win against Dundee.

Here's what some of you said:

Gareth: Don't need fireworks on day one, just three points. Well done Hibs and Sir David Gray.

James: Great to see Hibs hit the ground running. We could easily have scored four or five against a poor Dundee. Hopefully we can push on and get points on the board early. Very happy with the direction the club is going.

Derek: Comfortable win, against a very poor Dundee team. Not sure it would have been that easy against Tony Docherty's Dundee. Three points, onwards and upwards.

John: Glad they won but up against a better team I think we would have struggled. Although they had a hard game only days before.

Alexander: Good win considering we went to extra-time on Thursday night.

John S: Hibs did just enough to see out the game with Thursday's game in mind. In my opinion we were never in danger of losing this game and with better finishing could have scored more.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kieron Bowie says he is "reaping the rewards from a hard pre-season" after bagging a brace in Hibs' 2-1 victory away to Dundee in their league opener.

Bowie's first-half double helped Hibs to an opening day win in the Scottish Premiership as they look to continue the stellar form they showed in the second half of last season.

"Yeah, I mean, obviously two goals in quick succession. You take any goal you can get", said the Hibernian number nine.

"Obviously, it was off the back of a couple of mistakes from them but I'm happy to score two goals, and yeah, we've obviously given them a lifeline in the game, conceding a goal. But we've seen the game out 2-1 and that's the most important thing, the three points".

The ex-Raith Rovers striker believes a good preseason has him well-prepared for the upcoming campaign.

"I feel much better physically, that's the main thing," the 22-year-old added.

"It's my first 90 for the club and I'm reaping the rewards of a hard pre-season.

"I played Thursday and was disappointed to come off, but then I played 90 today and managed to see through the game so hopefully I can continue doing that".

Hibs spent a "significant fee" to bring Bowie to Easter Road at the beginning of the 2024/2025 season, however, the Fife-born attacker isn't feeling the weight of the price tag.

"Honestly, I don't really put any pressure on myself. I'm not bothered. I don't really feel that sort of pressure. I'm just going to play my own game and that'll keep me in the team".

Bowie was called up to his first senior Scotland squad towards the end of last season and hopes he can keep "knocking on their door" in what could be a breakout season for the striker.

"Obviously, I'm not setting my sights on how many goals I'm going to score or anything," he continued.

"I'm just sort of taking it week by week and hopefully I can score as many as I can and try and keep myself knocking on the door of Scotland as well."

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Kieron Bowie's potential for Scotland following Hibs' 2-1 win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

Watch highlights from Dundee's 2-1 defeat to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Hibernian bounced back from their midweek Midtyjlland heartbreak to pick up three points on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership with a controlled victory at Dundee.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray told BBC Scotland: "It's all you can ask for, especially after the emotions of Thursday night and everything the players put into that.

"It was a real professional performance. The mentality and the character of the players was there for everyone to see. We responded in the best possible way. I can't complain with that.

"[Bowie] needed to be clinical, which he was in those moments. We had a lot of possession, but it was about patience and concentration.

"When the game stays 2-1, you're wary that Dundee will have opportunities or come into the game. The concentration levels have to be top, and they were. We were in control, dominated the game. I'd have liked a third goal.

"That's the challenge [playing Thursday-Sunday] and it's one we're prepared for. The players should relish the opportunity, it's what you face at the highest level.

"We're always watching [Partizan]. Attention changes towards that. The big thing for me is to get the players recovered quickly. The games come thick and fast. But there's no better way to recover than with three points up here.

"We're always looking. While the window is open you always need to be proactive. If we can add, we'll look to do it. There's always speculation. I'm not going to be drawn on individuals.

"Everyone is looking at Hibs, how are we going to start the season? I think we answered a lot of questions today."