Hibernian

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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."

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Despite their late heartbreak against Midtjylland, Hibs still have European commitments to contend with.

Their Danish opponents, Midtjylland, scored a 119th-minute winner at Easter Road on Thursday night to send David Gray's side into a Conference League showdown with Partizan Belgrade.

Head coach Gray is remaining calm about their squad depth, though, as they prepare to kick off their Premiership campaign against Dundee on Sunday.

"It's vital that you've got a strong squad," he said. " We demonstrated that a lot last season.

"The togetherness within it, especially when you're looking at the two ties we've just played there. We started the same side in both games. You've naturally got players that are disappointed they're not playing.

"A lot of players who were all massive contributors last season, the ones that were here last season, will all be disappointed if they weren't playing in this game. How do you deal with that? They deal with it by coming on and trying to affect the game in a positive way.

"We were so good at that last season. That collectiveness and the togetherness came from subs impacting games. I say it every week, the team that starts will never finish.

"Everybody needs to be ready to play. Everybody is good enough to play, which is why they're in the squad. That's why we've developed such a squad that is capable of fighting on two fronts, hopefully."

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• Dundee's Steven Pressley will take charge of a side in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since leading Falkirk for their final 15 league games of 2009-10 (W3 D5 L7).

• After winning six successive matchday one games in the Premiership from 2017-18 to 2022-23, Hibs have since lost both of their past two season openers (both v St Mirren – 3-2 in 2023-24, 3-0 in 2024-25).

• Dundee are winless in their opening match in each of their past five Premiership seasons (D3 L2) since beating Ross County 3-1 in 2016-17.

• Dundee have only lost one of their past five Scottish Premiership home games against Hibs (W2 D2), suffering a 2-1 defeat in November 2023.

• Hibs have suffered only two defeats in their last 18 top-fight meetings with Dundee (W9 D7), although both came away from home (3-1 in May 2022, 4-1 in November 2024).

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Dundee striker Simon Murray is a doubt with a knee injury while Charlie Reilly is out with a broken collarbone.

Hibs will make a late call on Nicky Cadden after he was substituted with a tight hamstring in Thursday's Europa League defeat by Midtjylland.

Lewis Miller has been missing with an ankle injury and is the subject of transfer interest from Blackburn, while captain Joe Newell is still working his way back to full fitness after a long-running groin issue.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

It's fair to say Hibernian fans were reluctant to see last season end.

Other than a narrow defeat away to Aberdeen, only champions Celtic have been able to get the better of David Gray's team, domestically, in 2025 - a record everyone at the club should be proud of.

But following up a successful campaign can prove to be troublesome. They only have to ask neighbours Hearts about that.

Recruitment over the summer has gone well with key players Martin Boyle and Rocky Bushiri extending their time at Easter Road and Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath already looking quality additions.

But the most exciting new recruit could be the club's record buy. Few fans would have heard of Thibault Klidje before news broke of Hibs' interest.

The 24-year-old Togo International was signed by Bordeaux five years ago and last season scored 12 goals for Luzern in Switzerland. His hefty price tag will come with big expectations but like all new recruits he will require time to settle in.

The big question for everyone is can the team that was so successful last season continue that form into the new campaign?

There is positivity within the group, despite the agonising Europa League exit to Midtjylland, and Sunday's Premiership opener at a Dundee side now helmed by Steven Pressley presents a great opportunity for Hibs to start the season well.

Dundee have already lost to Alloa and Airdrie in the League Cup, and although they responded with wins over Bonnyrigg Rose and Montrose, there is no doubt they may be vulnerable.

A Hibs win would be the perfect boost for the new campaign.

Hibernian and Nuremberg have expressed an interest in Yohann Magnin, the 28-year-old defensive midfielder who has left French Ligue 2 club Clermont, with other French outfits and clubs in the Spanish second tier also monitoring his situation. (Loic Tanzi on X), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Hibs defender Lewis Miller is close to sealing a move to English Championship club Blackburn, according to the Press Association news agency.

The transfer is set to net the Edinburgh club more than £1m, with add-ons.

The 24-year-old joined Hibs from Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners in 2022 and has become an established member of the side.

Miller made 39 appearances last term and helped the Edinburgh outfit to a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.

The right-back, who is also capable of operating at centre-back, made his Australia debut two years ago and has 14 caps.

Hibs triggered Miller's one-year extension in April meaning he is contracted until summer 2026.

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Defender Warren O'Hora has urged Hibs to "dust themselves off" for Sunday's Premiership opener against Dundee after the devastating defeat to Midtjylland.

Hibs were knocked out of the Europa League qualifiers by an extra-time overhead kick from Junior Brumado on Thursday night.

David Gray's side will face Partizan Belgrade away in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier next Thursday and O'Hora is determined to head to Serbia on the back of victory at Dens Park.

"It's very hard," O'Hora told HibsTV, external.

"The three goals over the two legs are very good quality, there's not a lot we can do.

"There's probably things before we could be better at but when you see their goals, it hurts a little bit more.

"One thing I will say, the boys dug deep. Extra time in the second leg against a team of that quality isn't easy. Easter Road was absolutely rocking and it was a really hard one to take.

"We knew what was at stake, the first leg we wanted to come back to Easter Road with something to fight for. We knew it wasn't going to be easy, and it wasn't.

"To go out like that is very hard but we have to dust ourselves off because the league starts on Sunday and we want to start positive."

We asked for your views on Hibernian's 2-1 extra-time defeat at home to Midtjylland that ended their hopes of Europa League progress and set up a Conference League third-round qualifier against Partizan Belgrade.

Here's what some of you said:

Sandy: We were excellent throughout, only lost to two magnificent and unstoppable goals. Proud of my team. They gave everything they had.

Colin: The players gave their all against a top European team. We take a lot from this game going forward, especially in terms of adding more quality to strengthen the squad.

Richard: Over the two games we showed effort commitment and bravery, unfortunately came up short and we were undone by a wonder goal and if we could add a couple of quality additions I'd be hopeful for another decent season.

Jamie: The worry after a good season is can we carry that into next? After 210 minutes, in which we were only behind for approximately six minutes against strong opposition, Hibs are in a great place currently! Very proud of the performance across the two legs and now cannot wait for Dundee away.

John: Terrific effort from Hibs, but effort is no substitute for class. Their players seemed to find space all over the park and their passing far more accurate.

Bill: Beaten by a fitter team who got plenty time and space, aided by Hibs' poor passing. We chose the wrong substitutes. Quality goals from the opposition beat us.

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Scott Allan on BBC Sportsound

The Hibs players deserve so much credit. Over the two legs they've been absolutely fantastic.

Some monstrous performances from the likes of Kieron Bowie, the three centre-backs, and ultimately they've been undone by pieces of absolute brilliance.

That goal to win it is incredible. I think when the dust settles the staff and players can look at it and say "we matched them".

I think Hibs fans will be really excited about the season ahead. With what we've seen over the two legs, I think Hibs have a real chance of qualification [against Partizan Belgrade].

Hibs look like a real, proper side. You can see that togetherness in them.

Allan Preston on BBC Sportsound

Midtjylland are in the Champions League most years, they spend millions of pounds and it was a tough draw.

Over the two legs Hibs have done very well, some flashes of brilliance in both games. That goal is fitting to win any tie.

How much does this take out the legs? It's only their second competitive match, the players gave absolutely everything. They came up against a quality side, yes it's early on in the season for them too, but Hibs acquitted themselves very well.

They'll be disappointed to go out of this competition but they're going to have to dust themselves down and go to Den's [Park] on Sunday and start their league campaign, then start looking at the Conference League and what that brings.

Hibs will be proud of what they've done. They'll be feeling sore but they've got to go with heart on Sunday because they'll get better.

Hibernian aim to sign Scotland centre-half Grant Hanley, with the 33-year-old free agent a guest at Easter Road for last night's Europa League qualifying loss to Midtjylland. (Scottish Sun), external

Blackburn Rovers have agreed a deal to sign Hibernian and Australia defender Lewis Miller. (Lancashire Telegraph - subscription required), external

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Hibs fans, were you at Easter Road or following the action from home? Either way we want your views on the defeat.

What did you make of the performance? How do you feel about facing Partizan Belgrade in the Conference Leage?

Have your say on the game

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "One thing I'll never do is accept losing games of football but I can't ask the players for any more than what they've given me tonight.

"It's taken three wonder strikes across the 210 minutes to beat us. The players gave us everything, the atmosphere, everything around it, was fantastic.

"It's really tough to take, it's one thing we can't feel sorry for ourselves. Recovery is huge and we've got a good one to look forward to at the weekend, first league game of the season. That's what it's all about, that's how we ended up in this position, our attention has to quickly change towards Dundee.

"It makes it harder to take, the manner of it, the timing of the goal, how much the players have put into it. I'm proud of the players in terms of the effort, the performance levels, the bravery, against a really good side.

"We just need to find another way now. We've got a tough tie in the Conference League but it's still an opportunity for us and we need to remember that.

"It was fine margins again tonight.

"I think our attention very quickly changes to Dundee so I'm not going to look past that now. Tonight's game is going to be irrelevant towards the weekend. Full focus on that one which is a different way of playing. When Partizan comes round it's going to be a real tough test but it's the reward for playing in Europe."