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Scotsman
2 hours 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.'
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
Hibs player ratings vs Livingston as two new signings steal the show
Hibs will face Rangers in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup after a comfortable 2-0 win away at Livingston during their last 16 clash. Thibault Klidje was denied an away opener inside 60 seconds before Josh Campbell almost netted a screamer from range. Klidje eventually headed Hibs ahead with further chances falling their way after half-time, before substitute Josh Mulligan blasted home a stunning winner from range late on. Next up is the first of a two legged Conference League battle with Legia Warsaw at Easter Road on Thursday for the chance to reach the competition's league phase. Less than 72 hours on from a energy-sapping Conference League triumph after extra time over Partizan Belgrade, changes were inevitable. Six in total came into David Gray's side, with new signings like Raphael Sallinger, Miguel Chaiwa and Klidje amongst those given the nod. With a play-off crunch to come against Legia Warsaw midweek, it was a test of how far the squad depth truly stretched. A Scotland international, Champions League experienced midfielder and seven figure striker aren't the worst deputies to turn to, on top of a chance for youngster Kanayo Megwa at right-wing-back and Alasana Manneh in midfield. Kieron Bowie had to settle for a place on the bench after his Puskas Award-worthy lob against Partizan and Klidje tried a miniature version of that from just outside the box, parried over by keeper Jerome Prior. Livi had threatened to pick through Hibs in the first 15 but the pace of Martin Boyle and hassling nature of his strike partner were proving challenging for the hosts to handle. Campbell was keen to add to the Goal of the Season contenders list for games involving Hibs after strikes by Ben Brannan and Bowie in the last week, rifling a half volley from long range off the palms of Prior. Hibs had settled into the game nicely and looked the more menacing when it came to the final third, with last ditch Livi tackles needed consistently. That lead they endeavoured to gain was eventually secured, a Boyle corner flicked on by Klidje, making it's way through a ruck of bodies and into the net. A Jack Iredale stumble showed another was needed to make sure of this, Robbie Muirhead's swing and miss providing a warning shot with the game separated by one goal. That moment came and went quickly though with control soon exerted on this match early in the second 45, Campbell missing Hibs' latest chance to put the game to bed from close range. Livi started opting for the route one approach which forced Hibs into a more defensive minded approach but with every launch into the box came the distinct threat of the visitors countering. In the end it was a moment of powerful magic that won it, Mulligan slamming the ball beyond Prior to give Hibs' rotated cast just rewards for their dominance in proceedings. Rangers await them next month for a chance to return to Hampden but all focus now turns to a huge night on the continent against Legia. Here's how we rated the Hibs players at Almondvale. 1 . Raphael Sallinger - 6/10 Did all the basics well. No shots of note to save. | Alan Rennie Photo Sales 2 . Warren O'Hora - 6/10 Consistent performer in early part of the season. Took up advanced positions which helped passing game. | SNS Group Photo Sales 3 . Grant Hanley - 7/10 Took a bit too long on the ball in opening half that could have been costly but showed experience to work way out of a jam. Building in sharpness and already exerting leadership. Chucked body on line when needed. | SNS Group Photo Sales 4 . Jack Iredale - 7/10 A little slip at start of second half but outside that, a commanding display. Lewis Smith grounded and wrestled with Muirhead well. | SNS Group Photo Sales
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
It's all well and good spending £200million on Sesko and Co. but Arsenal defeat exposes a HUGE hole Man Utd need to fill
MANCHESTER UNITED have splashed the cash this summer but the goalkeeper position remains a concern. Here are SunSport's key takeaways from the narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal. 2 2 No 1 ISSUE United have been linked with Gianluigi Donnarumma and David de Gea in recent weeks, and surely they will sign a keeper before the window shuts. Ruben Amorim has faith in Andre Onana — even if a lot of the fans do not — but he did not consider him ready to start here. The Cameroonian has missed the whole of pre-season with a hamstring injury. So Altay Bayindir, who has played throughout the build-up to the season, got the nod — and ended up costing his team the game. He should have been stronger under pressure from William Saliba and flapped a corner on to the head of Riccardo Calafiori. Bayindir has had problems with set-pieces before. Amorim and sporting director Jason Wilcox have two weeks to come up with a solution before the end of the transfer window. NO GOALS — AGAIN United mustered just 44 goals in the Prem last season — and here they were starting with a blank again. The Red Devils have spent £200million sprucing up their forward line this summer, and there were encouraging signs from Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Ex-Prem ref says there was no foul on Man Utd's goalkeeper by William Saliba during Arsenal loss But new £74m centre-forward Benjamin Sesko stayed on the bench until the 65th minute. On a couple of occasions before then there were crosses into the box but nobody there to put them away. Amorim said on Friday he believes Sesko can be United's No 9 for many years to come — and that is why they spent so heavily on him. So it seemed a strange call to leave him on the bench for so long. Clearly the fans agreed as he was given a huge ovation when he arrived. A couple of late half-chances went begging but the Slovenian did enough to show he will be a threat. MIDFIELD STILL AN ISSUE United have abandoned their bid to land Carlos Baleba at least until next summer because of Brighton's asking price. There is an interest in Sporting's Morten Hjulmand, while United are one of several clubs who admire Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. But there is a chance they will not sign another outfield player, and fans will be worried about the options in midfield. Casemiro was excellent in Europe last season but did not have the same impact in Prem matches, while we are still waiting to see the best of Manuel Ugarte. United are going to be more exciting to watch this season — that is clear already — but will they still have a soft centre?
