Hibernian

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.

Image source, SNS

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

Image source, SNS

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.

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray: "To come here and win 2-0 is unbelievable, it took some effort.

"We asked the players to come over here, give everything and to make sure the tie is still alive when you go home, we've certainly done that.

"We've put ourselves in a fantastic position but I've just reminded the players that's all it is at the moment in time. Based on our second half performance there's things we need to improve on. To come here, into this atmosphere, the players can take a lot of confidence from it.

"Credit to Partizan, they stayed really aggressive and positive in the game. They kept playing the way they were which was really dangerous. We probably protected what we had, played it a bit safe but I can't fault the players' efforts and everything that came with that.

"If you'd offered me that result before the game I'd have bitten your hand off."

Head coach David Gray says Martin Boyle "constantly delivers" after the forward burst through the 100-goal mark with a double in Hibernian's excellent Conference League qualifying win at 10-man Partizan Belgrade.

Give us your thoughts on the game here.

Read the full match report here.

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."

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

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."