Hibernian

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Martin Boyle says Hibs are "quietly confident" of reaching the Conference League and want to reward the supporters who have backed them across the continent already this campaign.

Hibs are 2-1 down heading into Thursday's second leg of their play-off with Legia Warsaw, but have some momentum on their side thanks to Josh Mulligan's late strike at Easter Road.

Forward Boyle and his team-mates are bidding to make history by becoming the first Hibs team to play in the league or group phase of European competition.

"It's a special occasion for the club. Historically, it could be huge, something that we've not achieved before," Boyle told BBC Scotland.

"So we're quietly confident we can do the job and give back to the club and the supporters who have spent their hard-earned money through the summer.

"We don't want to put to waste the journey we had last season and how well we played. So fingers crossed we can do it.

"It's a lot of money they're forking out, so hopefully we can give back and give them something to cheer about. It would be brilliant.

"As a club and players especially, we appreciate the support, and it isn't taken for granted."

The 32-year-old is the side's acting captain, in the absence of Joe Newell through injury, and he hopes his determination on the park helps him to lead by example.

"I'm not sure how many words of wisdom I can give them," he said.

"But obviously, as a leadership role and as an acting captain since Joe's been injured, there's a huge responsibility on me to carry the team. I try to do that through my performances and not so much vocally.

"There are a lot of experienced boys that we have in this building, and there are a lot of confident young boys that are playing brilliantly at the moment, some don't even need it, they're playing that good at the moment.

"But there will be moments in the game where they make mistakes, it's all about how they react and get through it, and I'm sure they'll be mentally ready for the game."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

The Conference League play-off is not beyond us yet.

Having taken the option to postpone last weekend's match with Falkirk in preparation for the Conference League play-off second leg, Hibs go to Poland looking to overhaul the 2-1 deficit against Legia Warsaw.

A VAR offside call to prevent Legia going three up at Easter Road, followed by Josh Mulligan's late strike, mean Hibs still have hope and we will be confident we can give a better account of ourselves than we did in Leith last week.

The players have shown that when they're at their best, they can compete well at this level – on Thursday I felt we had too many players who were good without being great, and we'll need to lift it in Poland if we're to progress.

That said, the key to progressing will be finding our shooting boots. We created enough chances to win the tie on Thursday and should have been a couple of goals to the good before VAR's intervention brought the opener for Legia with a contentious penalty.

If we're to find ourselves in the league stage this season, we'll need to be far more clinical than we've been. Our away record so far has been very good with a credible draw in Denmark followed by a great 2-0 win at Partizan Belgrade.

David Gray regularly talks about the team making history, and they have the chance to do so again in Poland.

Last week also saw the sad passing of Rod Petrie. The former chairman was a hugely significant figure, steering the club through some of its darkest times.

And while his prudent approach wasn't universally popular with the support at the time, there's no denying he left the club in far better shape than he found it, with a wonderful modern stadium and our own training centre, not to mention a League Cup and Scottish Cup win in his time at the club.

My thoughts are with Rod's family and friends.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Hibs head coach David Gray says it is an "extra bonus" for in-form striker Kieron Bowie to be called up to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad.

The 22-year-old striker gets another chance to impress for the national side in their World Cup qualifying campaign after making his debut as a substitute against Liechtenstein earlier this year.

Bowie has been Gray's go-to striker so far this season, scoring three goals already, and has made himself a fan's favourite.

The young forward joined from Raith Rovers last summer but faced some injury setbacks before making an impact in the side towards the end of last season.

"Obviously, a lot's been made of Kieron and his performances of late," said Gray.

"All he can do is keep doing what he's doing, and I'm delighted for him for the recognition.

"I think he deserves it for what he's done, and I think, as I've said a lot, there's still a lot more to come from Kieron, so this will do his confidence a lot of good.

"And then when it comes to him going away, we wish him all the very best for that, but I think it's an extra bonus at this moment in time for him on a personal level.

"But my job is obviously to try and get the best out of him looking forward to Thursday."

Should Bowie start, he will lead the line away from home against Legia Warsaw well rested after Hibs opted to postpone their fixture at the weekend, giving them a whole week to prepare for the second leg.

Gray believes that break has been of real benefit for the players.

"Coming back in, the players are a bit fresher mentally as well because of the way the game went the other night, the emotions that go through that as well," he added.

"And we've actually had a bit of time on the grass, which is something we've not had for a while as well, so the players that maybe haven't played as many minutes, more time with them on the grass.

"And then the ones who have been playing that have just been playing and recovering and playing and recovering and actually doing a little bit out there as well.

"A bit more of a structured week, with no distractions, all geared up towards another huge game on Thursday night."

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media before Thursday night's Conference League play-off second leg away to Legia Warsaw.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Gray says his players are "fresher mentally" after a weekend off, owing to their domestic game being postponed, and says they have benefitted from "no distractions" between both legs of the tie.

• Hibs have had a "much more structured" week between both legs, something Gray says is important ahead of a "huge game" away in Poland on Thursday.

• Gray says his feeling, and the player's, is that there is "still a lot to play for and still a lot of football to be played" despite being 2-1 down on aggregate.

• On Kieron Bowie being named in the Scotland squad, Gray says he is delighted for the striker and says it will do his confidence "a lot of good" as there is "a lot more to come" from the forward.

• Regardless of the scoreline, Hibs want to start the game well in Poland, but Gray stresses they do not need to go "gung-ho".

• "It is a challenge the players are looking forward to," Gray adds, also saying he relishes the challenges at this level as a coach.

• Hibs will have "no excuses" in the game, Gray adds, saying they will make sure all of their pre-game preparations and travel are done correctly.

• Gray says he is "probably more excited" for this leg as opposed to the first, regardless of being a a goal behind.

• The players have "demonstrated" they belong at the European level, given they have now come through five games in a row and a "tough draw".

• "I think we full deserve to still be in this tie, given the level of our performance in the first leg," Gray adds.

Image source, SNS

Midfielder Josh Mulligan is confident Hibernian can cope with a hostile atmosphere away to Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Conference League play-off tie in Poland on Thursday.

The 22-year-old's late goal in the 2-1 defeat at Easter Road on last Thursday gave David Gray's side a lifeline in the tie.

"We've faced that and we know we can deal with it," said Mulligan, referencing Hibs' previous tie with Partizan in Belgrade.

"The boys have given everything in every game. Even in the hostile atmospheres, we've stood up to it. Obviously, we've got a good shape and a good way of playing. The boys stick to that and have bought into that.

"It's only the first leg of football. We've done well away from home, so we just need to put in a performance and I'm sure the boys can do it.

"If we start like we did on Thursday, but get that goal, the whole tie can flip upside down."

After missing a good chance in the first minute when he failed to get a shot away from deep inside the box, Mulligan is aware of how important his late strike was to Hibs' chances of progressing.

"I missed the one in the first couple of minutes, I was thinking about it the whole game," he said.

"I don't know what I was doing. I've seen the boy coming across and I thought, 'he's got to block this, so I need to go past him, but I'm in the box - just shoot'.

"So it was nice to get that one at the end and help the boys.

"It was a good block from their boy and luckily it fell to me again and I just shot again. I'm happy it went in.

"It's massive. They score a third goal and that could have been it dead, but then we get a goal at the end and now it's 2-1 and it's game on."

We asked for you to share your tributes and memories of former Hibernian chairman and Scottish FA president Rod Petrie, who has died from cancer at age 69.

Here's what some of you said:

Alan: I met him once, coming out of a garage and thanked him for everything that he'd done for the club. He was a bit surprised as he was used to fans complaining about things. I said to him one day fans will look back at his time at the club and be grateful for the stadium and training centre that we have now, as a club we lived within our means and never spent any money that we never had. I will always be grateful for everything that he has done, and his legacy within the club should always be remembered.

David: Sir Tom Farmer, who also should have a stand named after him for saving Hibs from oblivion, made a very shrewd appointment when he appointed Rob Petrie. He steered Hibs through very difficult times and definitely put the hours in. Sad to see him pass so young, my condolences to all the family and friends. Rod Petrie a Hibs man through and through. Rest in peace.

Kev: A true Hibernian legend. His vision for the stadium and training centre are the foundations on which the club is built today. He did get criticised for favouring infrastructure over playing staff, but he's definitely up there as one of the most Hibernians ever.

Darren: He took Hibs to another level by building a better, more modern stadium and the East Mains training centre. That's his legacy.

Following 18 months on loan at Hibernian, who were keen on a return, Sunderland have sold Nectarios Triantis to MLS side Minnesota United. (mlssoccer.com), external

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan on BBC Sportsound

They're very much still in the tie. A lot of that is down to Josh Mulligan's goal, you can see after that went in that Legia looked more nervy. It just takes Hibs getting that one goal early in Warsaw and might change things.

There'll be positives in there but there's a lot that Hibs can put right.

At times they were loose with their decision-making, the final ball, the final cross, the types of finish that failed to make the goalkeeper make a save.

That was the biggest frustration for me, they got into some good areas and at least make the keeper save it and he might palm it out to someone, like you saw in the Chris Cadden goal against Partizan. But they didn't do that until the latter stages when Nicky Cadden came on and showed quality on the ball.

Former Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart on BBC Sportsound

The whole game was fairly disjointed for Hibs but there were a number of really good opportunities.

The game's finished 2-1 but it could have easily been a different scoreline without it being a particularly brilliant performance. Loads of endeavour, loads of energy in it, but it felt like they were always chasing it after missing a few good opportunities early on.

I do think there is the potential for them to turn it around in Warsaw, they just need to make sure there's no mistakes. They can't allow themselves to fall further behind. The next goal is massive.

The Herald sportwriter Stephen McGowan on BBC Scottish football podcast

I wouldn't necessarily expect Hibs to beat Legia Warsaw, who are really proven Polish contenders of a bigger budget.

The more concerning picture for me is the general trend when it comes to these play-offs, particularly for the teams from outside Glasgow. I think the last time a Scottish team won one of these was back when Jimmy Calderwood was manager of Aberdeen against Dnipro in 2007-2008.

If you look at the coefficient it's going to have a big impact because we need to stay in the top 15 to keep our top clubs playing a manageable number of qualifiers.

Hibs are not out of it yet but you'd have to see 2-1 down going to Warsaw, that's a really big ask.

Image source, SNS

We asked for your views on Hibernian's 2-1 home defeat by Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their Conference League play-off.

Here's what some of you said:

Neil: I thought it was a very flat performance from the players for whatever reason. We have still got a great chance if they can just replicate their two previous away performances in Europe. A few changes in starting personnel and we can give this a good go.

David: Hibs' new signings with European experience should have started. The referee was inconsistent, dishing out yellows but ignoring persistent foul play. If Hibs had taken their chances, they could have won the game comfortably. Let's hope they get it right in Warsaw.

Scott: As the manager has said - it could have been better but could have been worse. So far, Hibs have gone toe to toe with three very experienced European sides and are still in with a shout of progression to the league stage. We can definitely win in Warsaw but need a better mix in midfield as the first half was too lightweight and pedestrian.

Kenny: This was a chance to get a few goals before the away tie but we never got started. Unlucky with the penalty but a very poor first half and losing the second one was down to poor defending. A better second half but the damage was done. The goal gives us a chance now but David Gray must get his selection bang on for this one.

Malcolm: Hibs portrayed a significant threat going forward and are still getting better. This threat exists at home and appears to carry well when away so this is not over.

Colin: Why does Gray keep playing Josh Campbell? He's as good as a man short, and I feel there are better players on the bench than his starting XI. We were at home and should have gone for it but we were a bit off it, at least we aren't out of the tie. With the right team selection we can still qualify.

Martin: I think Gray got the team selection wrong. I thought they were there for the taking. We could have been two up inside 10 minutes. Miguel Chaiwa and Jamie McGrath in for Campbell and Dylan Levitt from now on.

Alasdair: Need to cut out the schoolboy errors and start taking the chances created. Also need McGrath and Chaiwa to start. If we can do this we can still progress.

Image source, SNS

Tribute have been paid to Rod Petrie following the former Hibernian chairman and Scottish FA president's death from cancer at age 69.

Petrie spent 28 years at Easter Road and led the board for 15 years before Ron Gordon's takeover in 2019. He then served a four-year term as SFA president.

During his tenure, Hibs won their first Scottish Cup in 114 years and also lifted the League Cup, while the club redeveloped Easter Road and built a new training complex.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "Rod was a hugely respected figure right across the Scottish game and combined sharp intellect with a strong sense of principle, something I greatly admired.

"He was a key member of our board in the SPL era from 2003-2011 and helped drive important change for the league during that period.

"His true passion outside of his family and friends was Hibernian FC and he provided incredible service to the club in his 28 years there.

"He will be very sadly missed, and our thoughts are with Rod's loved ones at this time."

Former Hibs striker Tam McManus said on X: "Anyone who had dealings or knew Rod would know he had a dry sense of humour and could be a tough negotiator.

"Fined me a few quid for misdemeanours and when it came to contracts he was a tough nut to crack but despite that I still really liked and respected him. He was a good human being.

"A very sad day for everyone connected with Hibs. RIP Rod."

Hibs fans, share your tributes and memories of Petrie here. A selection of your comments will be published on this page tomorrow.

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray: "Yeah, I think what you've just said there, I understand why you say that [could have been better, could have been worse].

"I think it started really, one thing I would say is this ties very much still alive, there's a lot of football still to be played.

"Josh's [Mulligan] goal is huge because it makes it only one goal in it again.

"We've already just said this to the players, we went over to Midtjylland, and we went over to Partizan, had huge performances and results away from home. We're going to need to do that again

"And it's big moments in the game today [again]... to lose the goal just before half time was a poor goal to lose. You can talk about the penalty and decisions and everything like that. We're not going to do that. It is what it is, we can't affect that now.

"Clearly the one that's the factual one on the offside was a big moment in the game.

"So if that goes 3-0, that's a very different night tonight. And I thought we had really good, clear-cut chances in the game, and should have done better with them.

"But I've just reminded the players, we've just gone toe-to-toe with a team that went to the quarter-finals of the competition last season, and I think we were very good value for it at times.

"I thought we were really brave, really got after it. I can't fault the effort, can't fault the application towards it.

"We'll need to be better in certain situations, but this ties is still very much alive, as I've just said."

On Legia's penalty award, he adds: "I don't know if they've seen it as a second phase, whatever phase, when that phase of play starts.

"I do think it is offside, I don't know if that counts in that phase, but at the same time, I've not seen it back with the lines or anything like that, so I'm not going to sit and moan about decisions that I can't affect now.

"I say that all the time, one thing I don't do is moan about refereeing decisions, so I try and worry about things I can affect, which is my team's performance.

"But again, I'll just reiterate to the players, as I've just done, there's a lot to be positive about.

"Now, [we] hate losing football games, I'll never accept losing games of football, but it's slightly different over two legs because it is only half-time in the tie.

"And listen, it's all the play for going over there, because of that goal it is only one goal in it, and we know, we felt it ourselves in a positive way this season and in a negative way already, that big moments in games and momentum within that and we've got the momentum now after back of that goal."

Image source, SNS

Josh Mulligan's late strike resuscitated Hibernian's hopes of progressing to the Conference League as they emerged from the first leg of their play-off with Legia Warsaw at Easter Road trailing 2-1.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

Image source, SNS

Josh Mulligan is flattered by comparisons with John McGinn as he "strives" to emulate the Scotland midfielder and former Hibs hero.

Mulligan, a summer arrival from Dundee, has impressed in his early Easter Road career and scored a stunning strike last weekend to seal the 2-0 win over Livingston and set up a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final trip to Rangers next month.

The 22-year-old is now looking to help Hibs build a first-leg lead over Legia Warsaw in tonight's Conference League play-off.

"Obviously McGinn was a great player, he's still a great player," said Mulligan.

"To be compared to someone like him is a really good compliment. But I just thought I'd focus on my own game and not try to get caught up in that or start comparing myself to other players.

"It's a nice comparison. In the last five years, he's been a massive player for Scotland as well, probably one of the most influential.

"To look at him, he's someone you want to look at and strive for."

With Hibs' exploits in Europe catching the eye, Mulligan hopes it can help him break into Steve Clarke's Scotland squad and become an international team-mate of McGinn.

"There's other players my age that have managed to break in," the Under-21 midfielder added.

"You try not to think about it too much. You just think, play well in the next game. If you keep doing that, you never know.

"The European stuff has definitely helped because you're playing against better teams and more exposure and all that stuff.

"Hopefully in the next two games against Legia, we can get a good result and make a bit of history as well."