Linfield's latest hotshot reminds me of Northern Ireland star, claims Blues hero Kyle McClean
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Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
David Gray delivers Hibs injury boost ahead of Legia Warsaw
The Hibs head coach has provided his verdict on a victory at Livingston in the Premier Sports Cup Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... David Gray says he could have Jamie McGrath at his disposal for a crucial clash against Legia Warsaw, after Hibs secured their spot in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win at Livingston. The Easter Road head coach made six changes off the back of a 4-3 aggregate win in the Conference League against Partizan Belgrade less than 72 hours prior, and with Thursday's UEFA Conference League play-off first leg versus Legia to consider. His rotated team proved their worth as Thibault Klidje scored the opener and Josh Mulligan rifled home the winner late in the second half. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hibs take on Rangers next month at the last eight stage but focus now turns to a crucial first leg at Easter Road against Polish opposition. Speaking after the game, Gray was asked for an injury update on summer signing McGrath who missed both the Partizan second leg and clash at Almondvale. He is hopeful of calling upon him for play-off action. David Gray delivers Hibs injury boost Gray said: 'We are very hopeful of that as well, he's due to train on Monday. He will be in full training between now and Thursday and as long as he keeps progressing that would be a positive. Another positive would be Nicky Cadden again, the physios probably thought it was too long with the extra time the other night. We got another 30 mins into him today so everyone should be in a good position come Thursday.' Goal scorer Kildje was one particular standout that Gray talked up after impressive displays against the Lions. He said of the striker who signed from Luzern for a record fee and performance as a whole: 'I'm delighted for Thibault getting his goal, when you bring a striker to a club you want them to get off the mark as quickly as they can. 'We have been patient with him, we don't want to rush him because he's getting used to the intensity of our training and the physical challenges. He is still settling but he was a constant threat, he brought energy and he took his goal well. He put in a very strong performance, there is a lot of improvement still to come and he will take a lot of confidence from that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad David Gray verdict on Hibs vs Legia Warsaw 'Everyone was of a very high standard, which was to the benefit of the group. I thought it was a very professional performance, we had good control of the game and deserved to go through. I'm delighted for the players because before the game we knew people would be looking at this asking how we'd cope with another game in Europe, extra-time, coming to Livingston on an artificial pitch, and the mental fatigue because of the schedule we've been on. 'I thought it was a brilliant performance from that point of view. We were able to make changes and the level of performance didn't drop, so it was really good day's work from everyone. We knew this schedule was coming so had to be prepared for it, so that's why you have a squad. 'That was the challenge for the players who haven't been playing. It was job done in terms of that, really good from the squad and we've got minutes into a lot of players. Everyone has come through it okay, we have a few bumps and bruises but I'm expecting everyone to be ready for Thursday. 'We have been quite consistent over the piece in terms of certain positions. Something we demonstrated last year was the strength of the group. That showed, bringing on Josh Mulligan, Elie Youan and Junior Hoilett gave us legs. It's a very good headache to have for me.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With Rangers to come next month for a chance to go to Hampden, Gray said: 'It's a very tough draw, as we know, we knew who we'd face if we got through. To win the trophy you have to beat the best teams. It will be a tough test but one we'll look forward to when it comes around. There's a lot of football to be played and I've always said when you come to this football club it's about trying to win something.'
Belfast Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Linfield boss David Healy outlines main reason Larne let slip League crown… and it's not fixture chaos
Linfield manager David Healy says he believes that Irish League sides can still reach the group stages of major European competition and challenge for the Premiership title despite Larne's struggles in the 2024/25 season.
Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Kilmarnock boss hails match-winner Brad Lyons' professionalism after tough week
Lyons missed last weekend's draw with Hibernian to be with his newborn son in hospital and his training was restricted this week, but with medical issues clearing up, the midfielder was back in the starting line-up at Rugby Park. The Northern Ireland international volleyed a 69th-minute strike from a set-piece move to set up a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against St Mirren thanks to a 2-1 victory. Kettlewell said: 'Brad's had a turbulent four or five days but he's come back in really, really focused to try and have an impact on the game, which he has done, he's had a big say on it. 'That probably makes it feel all the bit sweeter for him and his family, just to be able to sit in the house and enjoy the win but also the new arrival as well. 'So we're delighted for him as a football club but Brad's always known that as soon as the baby's here safe, that he moves on to his job, and credit to him, he's been first class in that.' Kettlewell felt his side only played in 'fits and starts' but they made a flying start to the game when Ben Brannan's long diagonal ball played in Marcus Dackers to open the scoring. 'It's just brilliant vision,' Kettlewell said of the 18-year-old's assist. 'You talk about being tactical geniuses and all the rest of it, it's nothing to do with that, it's about your players understanding what you've looked at through the week and trying to identify a situation that will materialise, and he has done. 'But what's especially pleasing for me as such a young player in the infancy of his career is to identify it and execute it. He's got such a calm, composed demeanour to him. You just feel as if he's on top of his emotions all the time and that's a brilliant place to be for a young player, as well as being a good player.' Dackers had been a threat even before his opener and Kettlewell was delighted with the 6ft 7in striker's all-round play. 'We are working hard for him to be good with his movements, be good with his feet, to be able to link the play really well, to be a threat down the side, which he is for his goal,' said Kettlewell, who lost striker Djenairo Daniels to a shoulder problem. 'So it's just trying to help him become that complete striker. He has obvious advantages, which we played to at times, but it's making sure that he's able to do the other aspects of the game which I thought he was outstanding at.' United manager Jim Goodwin was frustrated with the manner of the goals conceded after seeing set-pieces cost his side against Hearts and Rapid Vienna in the previous seven days. 'The first one, it's just really poor shape behind the ball, distances in the back line far too big,' said Goodwin, who lost striker Max Watters to a hamstring injury. 'One big 60-70 yard diagonal ball over the top and it's a one-on-one. 'And then the second goal, it feels like it's talking about last week all over again. Big loopy ball into the box, unopposed header at the back post and then we're slow to react to the second ball. That's what's undone us. 'The goals that we're conceding at the moment are so avoidable.'
