Hibernian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibs head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media before the second leg of the Conference League qualifier against Partizan Belgrade.

Here are the main points:

• Gray praised summer signing Jamie McGrath's early impact: "It feels like he's been here for seasons."

• He will give the midfielder as long as possible to prove his fitness after McGrath suffered a knee knock in the weekend draw with Kilmarnock: "We obviously won't take an unnecessary risk. If he's not available then you just need to adapt and there'll be a quality player coming in, which is why we've got the squad we've got.

• Hibs' first target of the season is to reach the group stage: "It's never been done before. They players given themselves a brilliant opportunity, but that's all it is."

• Hibs lead 2-0 from the away leg but Gray says: "This is half-time in the tie, nothing's been achieved yet."

• He knows his side could be vulnerable if they try to protect the lead and insists "we'll be approaching the game as if it's 0-0".

• The Hibs boss is expecting another "fantastic night" at Easter Road and wants supporters to make it "a hostile and intimidating environment" for the opposition.

• But Gray says Partizan will be "full of confidence" after their 7-2 league win over Napredak at the weekend so he's expecting another "huge test".

• The boss stresses the players are not getting carried away with the 2-0 advantage and knows they'll have to be "mentally and physically strong" to progress.

• Nicky Cadden has trained all week "with no reaction".

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

After 30 minutes on Sunday afternoon at Easter Road, Hibs looked destined for another Premiership win.

Leading 2-0 against a Kilmarnock team who barely looked a threat, the collapse that left Hibs with one point rather than three was a shock.

Whether it was down to complacency or mental fatigue, David Gray was quick to remind his team that playing Thursday and Sunday will be the norm if Hibs are to achieve their goals.

The players will have been made well aware of what the demands are and further lapses will not be tolerated.

This week brings two matches that will go a long way to determining what type of campaign the club will have.

First up is Partizan Belgrade at home. Hibs' terrific 2-0 win in Serbia was one the best results in recent seasons for a Scottish club, but it's only half-time in the tie and Partizan's stunning 7-2 away win in the Serbian Super Liga against Napredak at the weekend is an indication they can still pose problems.

The prize that awaits is a continuation of their European adventures with Poland the likely next country to visit for a tie with Legia Warsaw.

Then on Sunday it's the short distance along the M8 to take on Livingston with a place in the last eight of the League Cup up for grabs.

Newly-promoted Livingston have started the Premiership season well and these are the type of matches where you really find out what your team is about.

The slip-up against Kilmarnock may just act as a wake-up call to Gray's players that every game matters and not just the big European nights or derby matches.

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Hibs sporting director Malky Mackays says "there will be suitors" for David Gray if he continues to impress as head coach.

Former skipper Gray, 37, recovered from a nightmare start last season - one win in their opening 14 Premiership games - to steer Hibs to a third-place finish.

This term, Gray's side took Midtjylland to extra time in Europa League qualifying and then won 2-0 away to Partizan Belgrade to bolster hopes of reaching the Conference League.

"It really is such a tough job for a young head coach these days, how little time they get to actually bed in but I think David has handled it really well," said Mackay.

"No matter how you're feeling, projecting calmness makes a big difference and David's been very impressive in terms of that. I know that if we continue to do well, there will be suitors in for him. That's just life.

"But I would rather that than us not doing well. I think he's done a great job, and long may it continue that he's here."

Hibs were bottom of the table almost four months into last season but Mackay was always convinced the club had made the right managerial choice in Gray.

"I did an extensive two-and-a-half-hour interview way back when we were actually deciding who was going to be the new head coach and he really impressed me that day," Mackay added.

"We had a new young head coach settling into his job, who was having to deal with the flux of incomings and outgoings of a squad that had been pretty unbalanced over three years with three managers and was finding his own team.

"It was always going to take time. I'm fortunate that our ownership and the board gave him that time when he was under a lot of pressure. From a sporting director's point of view, where you've actually got context, you can show that to a board of directors.

"That's where you could see that we had the players, that training was really high quality. We had sending-offs, missed penalties and teams were winning games with five minutes to go, so there were lots of contributing factors that made you think when this settles down, we've not been playing that badly.

"As the season went on, you then really started to see his tactical awareness. I'm really delighted for him because he's a really good front for our football club."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

We saw the best and worst of Hibs on Sunday in a highly entertaining but frustrating afternoon at Easter Road.

Again, Hibs were forced to open the away end for a home support that is firmly getting behind the David Gray era, and it was great to see the club put on the fanzone before the game and even break out the flame-throwers to welcome the teams on to the pitch.

Hibs' first-half performance was unreal, as good as we've played in a long time, and gave us a glimpse of what this team is capable of.

Even the enigmatic Elie Youan was right at it, getting a goal as a reward for his efforts.

The less said about the second half, the better. We can put that down to a rare mis-step from Gray's side and hope they click back into gear when Partizan Belgrade come calling on Thursday night.

With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, we're in pole position to progress to the play-off round and move a step closer to earning the league-stage European football our third-place finish deserved.

Whether Hibs can cope with the demands of European football over an extended period remains to be seen, but with time left in the transfer window, the second-half showing will certainly have given Malky Mackay and Co food for thought on the extent the squad needs strengthened.

It will be another big night at Easter Road, and so long as Hibs show more of the first-half levels, we'll be in for a great evening.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

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Grant Hanley's desire to experience European football was a motivating factor in the defender's move to Easter Road.

The Scotland cap signed a two-year deal with Hibs after he was released by Birmingham City earlier this summer.

Now a Hibee, Hanley hopes David Gray's side can achieve European progression against Partizan Belgrade after surrendering a two-goal lead in their 2-2 Premiership draw with Kilmarnock, which the defender started.

"The potential to come here excited me because of European football, the chance to do that is something I've never done," said Hanley.

"Knowing the direction the club is going in the league after how we did last year.

"You can get a feel for it and [there are] some really, really good people in the right places, and it was something that would be good for me.

"Anybody I spoke to, [when] I said I had the opportunity, their answer was [it is] a no-brainer."

Despite the feelgood factor around the club right now, their result on Sunday will have put a slight dampener on things as they prepare to welcome Partizan to Easter Road for the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier.

The 33-year-old added: "I think probably the overriding feeling personally [and] as a collective in the dressing room is disappointing.

"Especially how the first half went, we felt like we were starting the game really well."

The 62-cap defender also knows a big year of first-team football could help him and the national side reach the World Cup in 2026.

"It has obviously been a massive part of my career and some of my best memories, best experiences in football have been in the Scotland shirt," he added.

"So, I look to do that for as long as I can.

"I think if you're playing regularly at club football and playing well, you probably have a chance of being in Steve's [Clarke] plans."

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Partizan Belgrade hammered Napredak 7-2 in their Serbian Super Liga match on Sunday as they prepare to face Hibs on Thursday.

Hibs beat 0-man Partizan Belgrade 2-0 last week in the first leg of their Conference League third qualifying round tie, but surrendered a two-goal lead at home to Killie as they drew 2-2.

Jovan Milosevic, Bibars Natcho, and Vukasin Djurdjevic all scored for the Serbian side, with Bogdan Kostic and Andrej Kostic both scoring a double.

We asked for your views on Hibs' 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock.

Here is what some of you said:

Colin: Groundhog Day. Repetition of the beginning of last season! Warning for Thursday night, and need to defend much better.

George: Chalk and cheese. Brilliant first 40 mins. Dire after and a bit lucky to keep a point. Put it down to tiredness, mental as much as physical. Breathe, and we go again on Thursday.

David: First half was absolutely amazing, cruising at 2-0, playing with confidence and swagger. The goal before half-time absolutely killed us, killed the confidence and absolutely flattened us. On to Thursday now.

John: After 30 minutes, no one could imagine anything other than a Hibs win. In the second half, we saw a performance resembling last season's start. Thursday's exertion took its toll, and Gray should have freshened the team more than he did.

Conor: This has been our Achilles' heel. Too many times have we seen our team go two goals up and not see a game out. We allow teams to get back into the game by making too many mistakes.

There were a few defensive errors yesterday, luckily, Kilmarnock could not take advantage of that. They need to shake themselves off and get their heads screwed on for Thursday, because Partizan will be looking to make a comeback.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Josh Mulligan: An all-action display from the former Dundee player. Can cause carnage when he carries the ball forward.

Highlights of Hibs 2-2 Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Teenage wing-back Ben Brannan's stunning looping volley helped Kilmarnock recover from two goals down to draw with high-flying Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say now.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray told BBC Scotland: "It was certainly, in terms of our level, a game of two halves.

"First half, very good. Started very well, a lot of good play within that. But we lost a goal just before half time through a lack of concentration.

"Second half, we were nowhere near the level we were. The second goal is a wonderstrike, but we needed to be better in how we reacted.

"It's a bit of everything - big moments in games, the momentum shifts, your opponent gets confidence from that. We gave them confidence with individual errors, created anxiety in situations. A lot of the chances we gave up were self-inflicted.

"I'll also be quick to remind the players about the level of performance in the first half. Right now, it's just a huge frustration having been 2-0 up. The only positive is that we didn't go on to lose the game.

"If it was a really flat performance from start to finish, it would be easy to have the excuse of travelling. But the players were ready for this. They know what the challenge is, and the first shows everyone was up for the game."

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Hibernian head coach David Gray once again paid tribute to his side's away fans, as 350 of them travelled to Belgrade to watch the famous victory over Partizan.

The Partizan Stadium is known for it's hostile atmosphere and 27,000 home fans sang, jeered, and chanted throughout despite their side going down to Martin Boyle's brace.

"There's been a right few special moments for the supporters in the last wee while," Gray said.

"Full credit to them, the 350 that were here, I bet they were all in Denmark [for the Europa League qualifier against Midtjylland a fortnight earlier], I bet they were all at Dundee on Sunday and I expect them all to be at Easter Road this Sunday."

The Hibee faithful have even received coverage in New Zealand for their ardent away support, in particular for their "Hibs Away" chant which has gone viral on social media - to the tune of 'That's the Way' by KC and The Sunshine Band.

"I think the support's been incredible," Gray added. "I'm constantly repeating myself about the support that we get. They were heavily, heavily outnumbered, but from start to finish, they were there supporting the team again.

"At the very end, they were enjoying it as well with us, which is really important. The players are really grateful for that, as am I. It's what we look forward to in the second leg now as well."

The home support was deafening at times but the Hibs players did not wilt under the intense pressure from the stands.

"It was everything we thought it would be, a real hostile environment," said the manager.

"To come away from home in Europe, to this atmosphere, and win 2-0 is an incredible result. It's just half-time in the tie, but, all in all, I take a lot of confidence from it and I think the players will learn a lot from that.

"We've played in some intimidating atmospheres already, most of them have played at Celtic Park and Tynecastle.

"But when it's over in Europe, I thought their fans were very, very loud, probably as loud as you can hear 90 minutes before the game.

"It was a fantastic atmosphere to play in and a lot of players maybe haven't experienced that on the European stage, so a lot of positives to take from that."

• Hibs have only lost one of their past 14 league meetings with Kilmarnock (W8 D5), a 1-0 defeat in November 2022 under Lee Johnson.

• Kilmarnock are winless in 11 Scottish Premiership away games at Hibs (D3 L8) since a 1-0 victory on the final day of the 2013-14 season. Killie have lost each of their past six such visits in a row, the last five without scoring.

• Following their 2-1 win at Dundee on matchday one, Hibs will be looking to win their opening two games of a Scottish Premiership season for the first time since 2021-22. Indeed, Hibs are unbeaten in their past 12 home league games (W9 D3), their longest streak since October 2018 (14).

• Kilmarnock have won their opening away fixture in just one of their past 18 Scottish top-flight campaigns (since 2006-07), beating Hamilton in 2016-17 under Lee Clark.

• Since his first Scottish Premiership start against Celtic in February 2025, Hibs striker Kieron Bowie has the best minutes per goal rate of any player to score more than twice in the Scottish top flight, netting seven goals at an average of one every 83 minutes.

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Hibs could hand a debut to Scotland defender Grant Hanley while Zambia midfielder Miguel Chaiwa is awaiting work permit approval.

Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov are working their way back to fitness after groin injuries and Nicky Cadden (hamstring) is set to remain sidelined.

Kilmarnock's Robbie Deas returns from suspension but fellow defender George Stanger is banned after being sent off against Livingston.

Kyle Magennis (hamstring) and Scott Tiffoney were absent against Livi.

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Zambia midfielder Miguel Chaiwa chose to join Hibs over "a lot of interest" from clubs across Europe, says sporting director Malky Mackay.

The 21-year-old has moved from Swiss side Young Boys for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal, with Hibs holding the option for a further 12 months.

Chaiwa, whose switch is subject to work permit approval, joined Young Boys three years ago and has made 31 appearances, including 15 last season where he played against Galatasaray, Celtic and Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.

Hibs head coach David Gray said the 11-cap international "adds strength to our midfield options", adding: "He's a young, athletic player that has a lot of potential."

Mackay said Chaiwa is a player Hibs have "been impressed with for some time".

"There's been a lot of interest in him across Europe and we're delighted he's chosen to join Hibs as the next step in his career," Mackay added.

"He's a talented youngster who has a lot of potential, and has the attributes to be a success in the Scottish game."

We asked for your views on Hibernian's 2-0 win at Partizan Belgrade in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier.

Here are some of your comments.

George: Just magic. Pure magic. They were brutal and deserved what they got - a sending off and a penalty. In the second leg, we need a quick third goal and kill them off, 20,000 at Easter Road as a 12th man. Bring it on.

Anon: As assured a performance in Europe as I have ever seen from Hibs. The tie could and should have been put to bed before half-time had several chances been converted. Hope that profligacy doesn't cost us. Lose the first goal next week and the nerves will kick in.

Tony: Superb. Controlled proceedings from the start. Terrible pitch. Showed maturity and belief in the system. David Gray, hats off to you and the coaching staff.

Mark: Great result and over 100 per cent effort, it's a dream position to be in, but we have to finish the tie with a professional performance and result next Thursday.

John: Another solid performance. Players never lost their focus and always looked likely to score. This team is the real deal and this is looking to be an interesting season.

Leonard: This has got to be one of the best results from a Scottish team in Europe. Hibs have a wonderful opportunity to progress to the next round. I just hope Hibs keep hold of the young striker Kieron Bowie, he reminds me of Joe Baker, that is some accolade as he was simply the best centre forward I ever saw in green and white.

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Head coach David Gray was delighted to reward the 350 travelling supporters with one of Hibernian's biggest European results of the modern era.

Martin Boyle's doubled downed 10-man Partizan Belgrade 2-0 in Serbia to put Gray's side firmly on course for the Conference League play-offs.

Gray oversaw a number of impressive victories for his side last term as they finished third in the Premiership and the boss was pleased his side could provide another memorable night for fans.

"There's been a right few special moments for the supporters in the last wee while," he said.

"Full credit to them, the 350 that were here, I bet they were all in Denmark [for the Europa League qualifier against Midtjylland a fortnight earlier], I bet they were all at Dundee on Sunday and I expect them all to be at Easter Road this Sunday.

"I think the support's been incredible. I'm constantly repeating myself about the support that we get. They were heavily, heavily outnumbered, but from start to finish, they were there supporting the team again.

"At the very end, they were enjoying it as well with us, which is really important. The players are really grateful for that, as am I. It's what we look forward to in the second leg now as well."

Gray believes the performance in a difficult atmosphere will serve Hibs well.

"It was everything we thought it would be, a real hostile environment," the manager said.

"It was a fantastic atmosphere to play in and a lot of players maybe haven't experienced that on the European stage, so a lot of positives to take from that."

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Former Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart on BBC Sportsound

It's a side that have not played loads of European football but the team showed a lot of composure and experience.

All round away performance from Hibs in Europe, it had a bit of everything Defensively sound, they never really looked in danger. The midfield were working their backsides off and building the game fairly well.

I think David Gray will come away from that so happy with where his team are and recognising they've got a great opportunity of getting through to the play-off round.

Ex-Dundee manager Tony Docherty on BBC Sportsound

It's a brilliant night for Scottish football, two fantastic away results. Hopefully they can finish the job off next week.

The Hibs performance was such a mature one for a Scottish team going away from home against an opponent with real pedigree.

They did a job on them, they did what they had to do and they made Partizan look like an inexperienced team. The real plaudits go to a real mature performance.

Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan on BBC Sportscene

That is a fantastic result for Hibs, that man Martin Boyle again. Hibs will be really confident taking that result back to Easter Road next week.

They're playing with a real confidence, they don't seem like they'll give up a lot of chances, you really need to work to get a goal against Hibs so they should be really confident about next week.

Former Falkirk & St Mirren midfielder Ryan Flynn on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

I think Hibs are just in dreamland at the moment. They did so well against Midtjylland and coming into this game I think a lot of people wrote them off going away to Partizan, in Belgrade, a hostile environment, and they just delivered.

It was a cool performance, calculated. Obviously Partizan get the man sent off but Hibs took full advantage of that.

Patrizan had a little bit of pressure towards the end but Hibs stood firm. Obviously David Gray will say it's half time but I think everyone's looking forward to hopefully progressing through to the play-off round.

Brian McLauchlin in Belgrade
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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If you had offered David Gray a two-goal advantage to take back to Easter Road prior to last night's match he would have bitten your hand off.

The scoreline should mean this tie has been put to bed and yet it could have been more but for a string of saves by Partizan Belgrade goalkeeper Marko Milosevic.

There were positives all over the pitch with the back three of Warren O'Hora, Rocky Bushiri and Jack Iredale snuffing out most of what the home side had to offer.

In midfield Dylan Levitt looked assured from start to finish and although he didn't get on the scoresheet, Keiron Bowie never gave the Partizan defence a moment's peace.

And are there any more superlatives you can say about Martin Boyle?

The pacy forward had been highlighted as the danger man by the Partizan head coach and he was proved spot on.

Next week's return leg at Easter Road should be a sellout and another incredible atmosphere in Leith awaits.

Hibs must ensure, though, there is no complacency within the squad. It is only half-time in the tie and an early goal for Partizan could make it an edgy evening.

But make no mistake, this team look the real deal and a Conference League play-off tie is firmly within their grasp.