Hibernian manager David Gray has challenged his squad "to create history" by qualifying for the league phase of a Uefa competition when they face Legia Warsaw for a place in the Conference League. (The Scotsman)
Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.
Image source, SNSHibs' Miguel Chaiwa (right) played against Celtic for Young Boys in the Champions League
Miguel Chaiwa believes his experience of playing in last season's Champions League can help him thrive at Hibernian.
The 21-year-old midfielder made an eye-catching debut for Hibs in Sunday's League Cup win at Livingston after joining earlier this month from Young Boys.
The Zambia international featured as a substitute in the Swiss side's Champions League play-off win over Galatasaray a year ago and then in their league phase matches against Celtic and Red Star Belgrade.
"It has helped me a lot," Chaiwa said. "We played good teams in the Champions League.
"I've got one or two experiences playing against top teams, so it was a really, really good platform for me."
Chaiwa made his Hibs debut on the same day Thibault Klidje, who scored the opener, made his first start.
The Togolese forward had been restricted to four substitute appearances prior to Sunday, but Chaiwa expects his fellow African to make a big impact at Easter Road.
"We played against each other in Switzerland," he added. "I knew him personally, he's one of the good guys and has a little bit of shyness in him.
"But I know what he's capable of doing. He's energetic. He can run, he can jump, even though he's short. He's willing to give everything.
"I think he will do well at Hibs once he gets a run of games, absolutely."
Matty Fairnie
Fan writer
It's been a great few days as a Hibs fan.
Thursday night saw a sell-out Easter Road crowd roar the team into the Conference League play-offs before a more subdued affair on Sunday saw the Hibs go marching on into the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, where we'll meet Rangers in Glasgow.
It was brilliant to see the strength and depth that David Gray has at his disposal on Sunday. Miguel Chaiwa made a hugely impressive debut alongside Alasana Manneh in the middle of the park. Scotland hall of famer Grant Hanley stepped in for the rested Rocky Bushiri, while record signing Thibault Klidje made his first start for the club, helping himself to a goal to cap a terrific performance.
Gray used his squad superbly on Sunday as he negotiates the Thursday-Sunday- Thursday schedule of European football, and despite six changes, his side didn't skip a beat in the blistering heat on Livingston's new pitch.
Josh Mulligan hit what would have been a contender for goal of the season, if everyone wasn't still talking about Keiron Bowie's wonder-strike at Easter Road on Thursday. That was genuinely the best goal I have seen scored live, as soon as it left his boot I knew it had a chance, and when it nestled in the top corner I don't think I've heard a Hibs crowd roar so loud since Bowie's gaffer got his incredible napper onto Liam Henderson's corner at Hampden Park back in 2016.
There's a lot of noise and optimism around football in the capital this season, and Hibs are doing their bit to ignore the bluster and just quietly get on with the job in hand. It's great fun.
Image source, SNSHibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa says he has "no choice" but to "adapt quickly" to Scottish football as he made his debut on Sunday afternoon, nine days after arriving in Scotland.
The Zambia midfielder joined Hibs from Swiss Super League side Young Boys on 8 August and put pen to paper on a three-year deal.
With a busy schedule, boss David Gray rotated his squad for the League Cup tie against Livingston on Sunday that included giving Chaiwa his first start.
And the midfielder helped Hibs to a 2-0 victory over Livi.
"First time in a new environment, in a new city, in a new club so I just had to give everything," the 21-year-old said.
"What the coach told me, I had to prove it on the pitch.
"The coach had to tell me it would be more intensive, more duels. So I had to adapt it, even in training, even the very first day I came here.
"At the moment, speaking of it, it's quite difficult to adapt it. I have no choice but to quickly adapt to the style of play in Scotland."
Chaiwa will be hoping for more minutes in Thursday's Conference League tie against Legia Warsaw.
"For me, I might say they are a really, really good team," he added.
"Conference League football, it's all about results. So we have to make sure at our home ground we win. So we just need to focus on the next game."
"It's quite an amazing atmosphere [at Easter Road]. It's wonderful, really. As a player, you have to work very hard to give to the fans what they really expect from you."
We asked for your views on Hibernian's 2-0 victory against Livingston in the Scottish League Cup.
Here's what some of you said:
Andrew: Absolutely delighted with the performance considering the fact we had just played one of the most draining and emotionally exhausting ties we'll have all season. Thibault Klidje was a threat and well worthy of his goal but I think Miguel Chaiwa was outstanding in midfield. He is so composed and physical and a real asset to the team. Onwards and upwards hopefully.
John: I'm glad David Gray trusted his new guys to get the job done and gave much needed rest to key players. Some very decent performances and some very inconsistent refereeing as several Hibs players victims of bad tackles
Stevie: Hibs are the next level right now, the squad is strong and the future is bright, good season ahead.
Allan: Really professional job done by Gray and the boys. Never looked in danger of conceding. Excellent man management by Gray by resting some players and giving much needed minutes to players who have been unfortunate not to play more. Brilliant headache for the gaffer to have as all the players that came in performed very well. Chaiwa looks a great find, alongside the other new recruits. Credit to the recruitment staff and management team. Potential to be a special season with special players.
Adam: Hibs have established an ideal squad with good defensive players and a strong midfield. Kieron Bowie is an outstanding young centre forward who can only improve.
Sandy: Two great goals, one from debutant Klidje and a hammer strike from the bargain of the season Josh Mulligan. This Hibs performance was miles above anything from just a season ago. David Gray has one huge problem, who to pick and where? What a squad. Onwards to Thursday and the European match.
Record signing Thibault Klidje marked his first start with a crucial goal as Hibernian defeated Livingston to secure a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox.
Image source, SNSHibernian head coach David Gray: "It was very much job done, a real professional performance. I have spoken a lot about needing to use the squad and they all delivered today. A clean sheet at a very difficult place to come and now our attention turns quickly towards Europe which everyone will be excited about.
"Thibault Klidje was excellent, delighted for him on a personal note. That will do his confidence the world of good. We've been patient with him, we'll continue to do that. He's a work in progress, he needs to settle. I credit the group because of how quickly he has settled in.
"We've got players that can come on and affect the game, it was a real team performance today.
"There is still loads to improve on but as far as we're concerned it was a very professional performance and we can look forward to Thursday."
On Grant Hanley, Gray adds: "I think that might be only the second game of his career on astroturf, he's got his first blister of his career today. I said 'welcome to Livi away, that's what happens'. He was solid, really composed. The whole back five today, I don't want to single anybody out, because it was a real collective performance."
Chris Cadden expects Hibernian team-mate Kieron Bowie to be lining up as Scotland's number nine soon. (Record), external
Image source, SNSAfter a draining 120 minutes against Partizan Belgrade midweek, Hibs head coach David Gray has called on his side to seize their "opportunity" in the League Cup.
Hibs travel to face Livingston in an all-Premiership clash just three days after their dramatic European progression, with Gray hopeful his side can recover in time as he targets silverware this season.
"I think that's the challenge now, as a staff, to make sure we get the players recovered and get them ready for the League Cup, which is an opportunity," he said.
"You come to this club to try and win something. We've demonstrated already this season in one-off games that if we play at our level, we're a really good side and really hard to beat.
"We'll need to be bang at it for Livingston. It'll be a real difficult test. And then when the European stuff comes round again, it's a brilliant opportunity again."
Recent signing Miguel Chaiwa could be handed his Hibs debut against David Martindale's side, but Jamie McGrath is set to remain sidelined along with captain Joe Newell.
Image source, SNSTeenage right-back Rory Whittaker has left Hibernian to join Southampton.
Hibs say "terms for the 18-year-old's transfer will remain undisclosed".
Whittaker, who became the Easter Road club's youngest player at 16 years and 44 days, had entered the final year of his contract.
He scored once in 14 Hibernian appearances and spent time on loan at Spartans last season.
"As always we have to make difficult decisions regarding our young players, taking into consideration their wishes, their development, their contractual status, and other details," said sporting director Malky Mackay.
"There was a lot of interest in Rory from clubs down in England, and as he had a year left on his contract, we decided this was the right deal for Hibernian FC.
"While the main aim for our academy is to produce players for our own first team, when a move like this comes up - it is difficult to deny a youngster that opportunity."
Highlights: Hibs 2-3 Partizan Belgrade (4-3 agg)
We asked for your views on Hibs' pulsating extra-time win over Partizan Belgrade to reach the Conference League play-off round.
Here are some of your comments:
Gary: A bit like Tina Turner, Hibs don't like to do things easy, they like to do things hard!
John: I need a lie down. If i was not already grey and balding I would be after last night. What a rollercoaster of a night, team spirt and never-say-die attitude, the boys showed great self belief. As for Kieron Bowie's goal, eat your heart out Brazil.
Keith: I'm glad Jordan Smith redeemed himself with some brilliant saves in the second half. Bowie and Josh Mulligan both outstanding, but all in all excellent Hibs who never gave up and ran themselves into the ground. They've made me proud yet again.
John: Wowie Bowie, the guy is unplayable, and his special goal gave Hibs belief after losing two despicable goals. Great team effort to make the play-offs.
Kev: Unbelievable night at Easter Road. Smith hands them two goals, Bowie scores a goal of a lifetime. Then both teams go toe to toe in a pulsating match which left everyone shattered in the stands. But we are through to the next round. Well done Hibs.
Dave: Hibs have ridden their luck in this tie but no one can doubt the character of the group. One of the most exciting nights at Easter Road in years.
Sandy: Genius, sheer genius. Bowie has the potential to become one of the truly great centre forwards. Icing on the cake of a team performance filled with passion commitment and promise of much more to come. Even our goalie came good second half and extra time with tie-saving stops. Great time to support the Hibees.
'What a goal. What a finish. What a player!' - Watch Bowie's wonder goal
David Gray believes "there's a lot more to come for Kieran Bowie" after the Hibs forward's stunning strike against Partizan Belgrade.
The 22-year-old Scotland international's long-range effort helped Hibs to a 4-3 aggregate win in the Conference League third qualifying round tie, with the Easter Road side losing 3-2 on the night after extra time having won 2-0 in Belgrade.
"I'm delighted for him on a personal level because of what he's been through," said head coach Gray.
"He's had a lot of praise recently, deservedly so, but he's been through a lot as well with two really long-term injuries.
"To then do what he's doing now, he fully deserves it. And there's a lot more to come for Kieran Bowie, which is a real positive for everybody.
"With his appetite and his hunger, he's a bit of a throwback in how he plays centre-forward. That makes him difficult to play against and then he's got the quality when he's in these positions."
Errors from goalkeeper Jordan Smith, 30, contributed to Hibs' loss on the night but Gray insists he "never considered taking him off".
"I know his character, I know him as a person," explained Gray, whose side will play Legia Warsaw in the play-off round over the next two Thursdays.
"I spoke to him at half-time and he held his hands up straight away.
"He's been so consistent, he's been so reliable during difficult times. You think about when he made his debut for the club, it was in a difficult time when that position was under real scrutiny.
"I had no doubts about Smudge in the second half. What he does then is, he doesn't take any risks. He didn't overplay, he didn't put himself in positions again. He simplified his game and made some big saves."
'What a goal. What a finish. What a player!' - Watch Bowie's wonder goal
Former Hibs & Scotland defender Joelle Murray on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was there as a supporter. In typical Hibs fashion, we didn't do it the easy way. Thought we had the game wrapped up in one and of course with the last kick of the ball. So, yeah, it was electric. It was devastating. It was everything in between.
When Kieran Bowie went to hit that shot, it was one of those ones where you're like, 'what are you doing?' I thought he'd just hit it out of frustration because he was playing quite frustrated all night.
And honestly, it was just like time stood still. Sitting right behind it, I thought that's going top corner, that is top corner, and then the whole stadium erupted. It was probably the best goal I've ever seen live.
Former Hibs defender Lewis Stevenson on BBC Scotland
Jordan Smith made two or three big saves so I'm delighted for him. To get into Europe he played a major part in that and David Gray showed faith in him.
Superlatives wouldn't do Kieron Bowie justice. He's going to have an amazing career.
Former Dundee manager Tony Docherty on BBC Sportsound
That was a quality team, Partizan. I always knew that was going to be a tough task but delighted that Hibs saw that through.
You want all your Scottish teams in Europe to do well. Kieron Bowie, I think everybody's now taking notice of him.
Livingston defender Cammy Kerr on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast
In recent years Scottish football's had a bad rap and at times, rightly so, in Europe with some of the results that some of the clubs have had and shock exits and stuff.
Scottish football's starting to put a real marker down and kind of show even the big European teams that they're there to compete, they're not there just to make the numbers up and they'll definitely fancy themselves in the next round.
Image source, SNSHibs survived an almighty scare against 10-man Partizan Belgrade as Chris Cadden's extra-time strike secured an aggregate victory and a Conference League play-off spot.
'This is why you come to a club like this'
Hibs striker Kieron Bowie tells BBC Scotland: "I just hit it and thankfully it took the spiderwebs off the back of the net. Moments like this, that's why I've come here."
Hibs' match-winner Chris Cadden tells BBC Scotland: "This is why you sign for a club like this. This is the best I've seen this stadium in five years since I've been here. It's amazing. We deserve that with all the effort we put in. I'm buzzing."
Image source, SNSHibernian head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "Delighted for the players. A really unbelievable performance. I really underplayed the magnitude of the first leg to the players, knowing it was half-time in the tie.
"For large spells of the first half the shape was really good, we had the better chances and then there's obviously a couple of mistakes from [Jordan Smith].
"The character was certainly tested. Half-time came at a good time - I was able to calm them down and then it's all about character.
"It was horrendous for me to watch at times and ultimately it's a brilliant result over two legs. I'm delighted for Jordan Smith for his second-half performance. He made big saves at big times.
"All in all, delighted to get through. It's an incredible achievement for the club.
"I thought I'd seen a few good goals already this season. The one against Kilmarnock at the weekend was incredible - I think Kieron's is better.
"Add to that the emotion, the environment, where he's done it. It was a special goal at a special time. Take the goal out of it, he was outstanding tonight."
On Partizan's equaliser in the 96th minute: "That's another massive test of character. We could have taken the ball to the corner, we could have managed the game miles better - that's where we need to improve.
"The game became stretched, we lost control at times. You think you're over the line and then you have to go again for another 30 minutes.
"Now it's all done and dusted there will be improvements to come from it, but that's for another night."
Jamie McGrath says Hibs' 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock at the weekend was a "wake-up call" before the second leg of their Conference League qualifier against Partizan Belgrade.
David Gray's men have a 2-0 lead going into tonight's game at sold-out Easter Road but that was also the advantage they let slip at home in Sunday's Premiership clash.
And midfielder McGrath, who hopes to pass a late fitness test tonight, said: "That's football, it's never going to be plain winning.
"You've no god-given right to win any game so it is a bit of a wake-up call. We can't take our eye off the ball being 2-0 up and concede careless, stupid goals.
"We have that behind us now and hopefully we've made our mistakes for a while."
The Republic of Ireland international insists Hibs aren't taking the lead for granted as they look to advance to a play-off against Legia Warsaw or AEK Larnaca.
"It's going to be a very tough game but we've given ourselves a good opportunity by going 2-0 up in the first leg," he added.
"We can't go into the game trying to protect that. We have to go into the game as if it's 0-0 and give ourselves the best opportunity to go through.
"We don't want to be defending the lead if possible. Obviously there will be times where we'll have to do that but it's going to be a very good game."
David Gray insists "nothing has been achieved" by his Hibs side in Conference League qualifying despite their 2-0 first-leg lead over Partizan Belgrade.
The Hibs boss admits that while his team are in a "brilliant position" going into Thursday night's return at Easter Road - live on BBC Scotland - they cannot allow complacency to creep in.
Martin Boyle's double secured a memorable victory in Belgrade last week against 10-man Partizan but Gray isn't taking the lead for granted as Hibs look to progress to the play-off round.
"This is half-time in the tie," he said.
"Nothing's been achieved yet other than we're in a brilliant position. It's 0-0 in the game and you go into every single game trying to win it and we'll be no different going in tomorrow night with that mindset.
"If you go in and try and protect and protect and protect then you'll leave yourselves exposed. We'll definitely be approaching the game as if it's 0-0, we've got it all to play for and we know the threat and the danger that Partizan possess."
Gray also insists the fans have a big part to play on Thursday night and is not taking their support for granted.
"It's a sellout again at Easter Road," he added.
"European night, under the lights, we know how good the atmosphere was in the Midtjylland game and I expect it to be the same again.
"We need the fans right behind us which they will be. It's an incredible effort from the fans again and everything's geared up for a fantastic night."
