Hibernian out of Europa League: Penalty miss 'my worst moment' - John McGinn

McGinn's side-footed effort was saved by Brondy keeper Frederik Ronnow

Hibernian midfielder John McGinn said the penalty miss which sent his side out of the Europa League is "probably my worst moment in football".

The Scotland international, 21, took Hibs' first spot-kick after they had won 1-0 in Brondby after extra-time.

But his side-footed effort was saved and despite Paul Hanlon, Grant Holt and Martin Boyle all scoring, the Danes scored all five to progress.

"I'm just gutted I cost the fans and the team a trip to Berlin," he said.

"The fans gave me good support right after it happened and that was nice to hear.

"But I would much rather they were singing for us going into the next round which I think we deserved.

"The thing I take heart from is the performance of the boys. Nobody gave us a chance and it was an unbelievable performance."

Jason Cummings shows his dejection after Hibs went out on penalties

Manager Neil Lennon refused to attach any blame to McGinn, saluting a "fantastic" victory for his side on the night, courtesy of David Gray's second-half winner.

"It is just bad luck really. You can't talk about villains on a night like this. They were absolutely brilliant.

"I am proud and pleased with them. They did exactly what we set out to do. If it hadn't been for poor refereeing in the first leg, we wouldn't have had to go to extra-time and penalties because we would have been through.

"Two mistakes in the first leg cost us the result. We really should be heading to Berlin. [to face Hertha Berlin in the next round]

"Any luck going in this tie went against us but I can't speak highly enough of the team. They were absolutely outstanding. To be out-done in a penalty shootout is hard to take but we are only just starting here."

Gray injury 'isn't too serious'

Lennon believes the victory in Denmark will give his side belief as they turn their sights to the main goal this season - securing promotion to the Premiership.

"It was a fantastic start for us to take Brondby all the way at this stage in the season, against a team that has been flying," he added.

"I didn't have many wins away from home in Europe in my time with Celtic, so it is a real feather in the players' cap. It should give them a lot of belief. They were running on fumes in the end but they showed tremendous character to see the game out.

"We defended brilliantly when we had to. Paul Hanlon was outstanding, I thought he was head and shoulders [above everyone] in both ties. Darren McGregor again, Liam Fontaine... I have got really good players here and the basis of an excellent squad."

Captain Gray was forced off late on in normal time with a shoulder injury after tumbling heavily on a driving run down the right flank.

"Hopefully it isn't too serious," Lennon added. "It may be a week to 10 days. He is another fantastic player with a great mentality."