HIBS head coach David Gray insists Hibs need to play on the front foot to get a result in tonight’s crucial UEFA Conference League third qualifying second leg with KF Shkendija.
Hibs head into the tie with a one-goal advantage after Warren O’Hora’s late winner secured a 2-1 victory at Easter Road seven days ago.
That was followed with victory at Ibrox by the same scoreline three days later, and Gray is eager to continue to build on that positive run of form and momentum.
The team arrived in Skopje on Wednesday afternoon and headed straight to the National Arena Todor Proeski for a training session and to familiarise themselves with the conditions and surroundings.
“The session was good, it definitely was beneficial for the players. Gray told Hibs TV after Hibs training session in Skopje.
“We arrived a wee bit later than we hoped initially, but it’s everything we thought it would be.
“It’s the second time we’ve come away in Europe, so we’ve been getting used to the pitch a little bit, but also the heat. You feel that straight away when you come off the plane, and even at this time of night you can still feel the heat that’s there. It’s good that the players recognise that, and we knew that coming over as well.
“Everybody’s come through the training session, which was the most important thing. When you add in the travel and the fact we played on Sunday, you don’t want to pick up any needless niggles or injuries. But everybody’s come through that, which is really positive.
“At this moment, the players should be feeling good about themselves and confident. They’re ready to go now, and this is what it’s all about.
“It has been a really good start to the season. Two wins in Europe over 90-minute periods. Yes, it’s only half-time in here. Still a big, big job required to get into the next round, but off the back of a fantastic win at the weekend, going in with the 2-1 advantage is a positive.
With a lead to protect, Gray detailed how he aims to approach the game.
“I think if you go out to try and protect what you’ve got, the minute that doesn’t go your way or you find yourself on the back foot, then you’ve missed an opportunity.
“We certainly know it will be a very different game. I expect a little bit more of an aggressive start from the opposition being at home, the same way when we were at home we expected to be aggressive and try and get that home advantage. So we’re expecting that, and the players will be ready for that.
“Coming away in Europe, yes, we’re winning in the tie. It is only half-time, but we certainly won’t be sitting back waiting and hoping just to hang on. We need to make sure we take it to our opposition again.”
Finally, Gray shared a team news update – with positive news about Jamie McGrath who is in contention once again after returning to the matchday squad at the weekend.
“Jamie getting minutes at the weekend was great, with no effects – that was the big thing. He trained Monday, Tuesday, trained again today, the last couple of days, and came through that fine.
“Grant (Hanley) is the one that’s not quite made it, so there’s a bit of swelling on his knee. Added to that, with flying, obviously it wasn’t going to be conducive to that either, so he’s not going to make it.
“Boyle’s trained tonight, which is good. So the only two are Nicky Cadden and Grant Hanley, who are absent from the squad – everybody else is available.”
