logo
David Gray 'proud' of his players after hard-fought draw in Denmark

David Gray 'proud' of his players after hard-fought draw in Denmark

David Gray was proud of his players' effort after Hibs secured a hard-fought draw in Denmark meaning it is all to play for ahead of the second leg next week in Leith.
Jamie McGrath opened the scoring with a direct free-kick on his competitive debut for the Club – before Aral Simsir equalised with a set-piece of his own in the second half.
Reflecting on the 90 minutes as a whole, Gray admitted he was proud of the way his players approached the game and handled the occasion.
'It was exactly that – a hard-fought draw'. Gray told Hibs TV.
'First of all, I am proud of the players for their efforts and the overall performance. The first twenty minutes were brilliant, I know we got the goal, but I was really impressed with how brave we were on the ball and the discipline we showed off it.
'The one thing I said to the players when we arrived was 'you need to believe that you can get a result'. We did that tonight, the first part is done and we need to take confidence from that.
'After the game, I reminded the players that this is only part one – it is only half time in the tie, but we've given ourselves a chance –the tie is still alive and we need to keep believing.'
After a robust pre-season schedule, the match was Hibs first competitive game of the 2025/26 campaign, and Gray explained how pre-season helped set them up for this fixture.
'Pre-season is always geared up to setting yourself up for the competitive stuff. We played some tough opposition, the likes of Ajax and Bournemouth and that was all geared towards preparing the players to play against elite-level teams.
'Midtjylland are at that level – they have played in the Champions League and are regularly playing in Europe – so we knew it was going to be a tough test. But the shape, the discipline and concentration all had to be there today, and we got our rewards for that.
'We were brave from the start and got right at them straight away.'
Gray reserved special praise for the travelling fans who made the trip over to Denmark, and explained how much their passion, singing and noise helped spur the players on.
'I always knew when the draw was made that the fans would look forward to this one. What we've done as players is give everyone a performance to be proud of.
'It is only half a job though from the players' point of view, but the fans understand how big a part they can play, and we will need them again next week. We will sell out the Stadium, it is another European tie to look forward to – it is a real tough task ahead of us but one that we are up for.
'We are all in this together, win-lose or draw, they are the ones that pay their money and stick with us. They were all here in their numbers, they played a massive part, and we could hear them all game and I am sure they will all look forward to the second leg.'
Like this:
Like
Related
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lyall Cameron happy with Rangers 'under the radar' status as he reflects on humble beginnings
Lyall Cameron happy with Rangers 'under the radar' status as he reflects on humble beginnings

Daily Record

time13 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Lyall Cameron happy with Rangers 'under the radar' status as he reflects on humble beginnings

The youngster made his Gers bow in the weekend draw with Motherwell at Fir Park He wasn't even a Russell Martin signing. ‌ And when fans go through the list of summer arrivals at Ibrox, his name is usually the one they forget about. But Lyall Cameron plans to change all that. ‌ The 22-year-old was plucked from Dundee on a Bosman, having agreed a pre-contract deal at Rangers while ex-gaffer Philippe Clement was still in charge. ‌ He was first in the door during pre-season before new boss Martin got to work in revamping the squad. The manager has now brought in nine players, with £4 million Finnish winger Oliver Antman the latest to be unveiled on Monday. There was no fanfare or big transfer fee when Cameron got his obligatory scarf picture taken at Auchenhowie. But that's not to say the midfielder won't have a big impact under Martin this season. In fact, after coming off the bench at Motherwell on Saturday he earned praise from his gaffer. Cameron was picked out by Martin as showing the required attitude to be a Rangers player - while slating others for lacking in that department. And that might just have opened a door for the Scot to force his way into the line-up for Tuesday night's Champions League qualifying first-leg tie against Viktoria Plzen. It would be an incredible feat for Cameron, given where he's come from. A few years ago he was on loan at Montrose and Peterhead but now he's set to shine on the European stage. Humble and unassuming, Cameron has no ego. And he might just be what Martin is looking for. Ahead of the Czechs' visit to Ibrox, he said: 'Do I like going under the radar? Yeah, definitely. ‌ 'Look, I was never going to be a massive signing for Rangers, coming from a small club like Dundee. But I know what I can bring and hopefully I can implement that and do as well as possible. 'I'm definitely ready to start on Tuesday, you always need to feel ready. You have to be confident in your own ability and I've always said I am. 'If I get to start, I'd be delighted but it's all about the team getting through, that's all that matters. If I play, hopefully I can help the team win. ‌ 'I knew Rangers were a massive club which plays in massive games before I came here. But it has probably surprised me just how quickly they come around. 'A few weeks ago, we were playing a pre-season game and now we're straight into Champions League qualifiers. But I'm really enjoying the challenge and hoping to contribute as much as I can.' ‌ Cameron was brought to Ibrox to create and score goals from midfield. In terms of grafting for the team and giving everything on the pitch - that's been a prerequisite for a guy who was a stand-out at Dens Park last season. He was delighted to please his manager at Fir Park but disappointed with the result. Cameron said: 'It was great to hear and it gives you real confidence to get backing from your manager. 'But the overall feeling was of disappointment on Saturday because I want to come into a team that's winning. To draw wasn't good enough and we understand how critical it's been since then. ‌ 'The fans weren't happy and that's expected because we need to win games. We know Saturday wasn't good enough. But the reaction has been good. 'The boys have trained really well and we now turn our focus on to another big game on Tuesday night. Everyone is looking forward to that challenge. 'We all understand the criticism was justified on Saturday because it wasn't good enough. The expectation here is to win every game and we didn't do that. ‌ 'Rangers now haven't won on the first day of the season for three seasons - so that has to improve. We understand the response from the manager but we need to show that it will motivate us to do better in the future. 'From my point of view, that's what I try to do anyway - give 100 percent as a footballer, no matter what's going on. I always work as hard as I can, that's just a given for me. 'It was a bad start on Saturday but we can recover quickly on Tuesday night.' ‌ Cameron knew he was never going to walk straight into the Rangers' first-team when he signed for the club. And he's honest enough to admit it's a whole new ball game at Ibrox, compared to being at Dundee. But if he gets the nod from Martin to start in Gers' engine room in Europe, he's ready to grab the opportunity. Cameron said: 'It would be brilliant to play on Tuesday because it's a huge fixture. ‌ 'We did really well to get past Panathinaikos which was such a difficult tie. We have a chance to go through in the competition and to play my part in that would be great. 'The step-up for me has been different. It's a different world through here compared to what I've been used to. Every game is so much bigger, in terms of the pressure. 'But I just take everything that comes. I don't get too involved in anything, I keep myself out of it. 'I'll just give 100 percent and do the best I can. That's all I can do.'

Partizan Belgrade vs Hibs live stream and TV details
Partizan Belgrade vs Hibs live stream and TV details

Scotsman

time13 minutes ago

  • Scotsman

Partizan Belgrade vs Hibs live stream and TV details

Hibs will travel to Serbia to face Partizan in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie this week. 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... There was obvious disappointment when Hibs suffered an agonising late defeat in their Europa League second qualifying round tie with Danish side FC Midtjylland last week. However, there was a consolation prize of sorts for David Gray and his players as European football remained on the agenda with a crack at reaching the league phase of UEFA's tertiary club cup competition, the Conference League. Hibs have taken their place in the third qualifying round and they have been handed an awkward looking tie against Serbian giants Partizan, who dispatched Ukrainian outfit Oleksandriya with ease with a 6-0 aggregate win in the previous round. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For Hibs, there is an opportunity to lay the foundations for an extended run in European competition by claiming a positive result in the first leg and Gray and his squad will travel to Serbia in good heart after a Kieron Bowie brace got their Premiership campaign off to a winning start at Dundee on Sunday afternoon. But, with just days to go until the quick return to Europe, what do we know about their meeting with Partizan and will the game be shown live on television. Where and when does Partizan v Hibs take place? The UEFA Conference League third qualifying round first leg fixture will take place at the Partizan Stadium in Belgrade on Thursday, August 7. Kick-off is set for 8pm BST and that is 9pm local time. What has David Gray said about Partizan v Hibs? Hibs head coach David Gray gives out instructions at Dens Park. | SNS Group Speaking about the tie ahead of Sunday's win at Dundee, the Hibs boss said: 'We'll do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for the players. The one thing you want to always do is you want to make sure they're going into it as fresh as you can. The Belgrade game will take care of itself by the time we get to that. 'The plans will go in place to make sure we can get there the easiest way, the quickest way, that you stay over, all these things that come with that. You travel a day early, but that will all take care of itself. Everything is geared up now towards Dundee. We'll make sure we get everybody clear with the game-plan ready to go up there to make sure we try and win the game. Then we'll look forward to Thursday night in Europe again, which naturally the players will all be ready for.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Is Partizan v Hibs being shown live on television? Bedlam at Easter Road as Rocky Bushiri is mobbed after his goal ... but heartache would soon follow against Midtjylland. | SNS Group No, but the game is one of several European ties being shown live via a stream on SolidSport. Their coverage gets underway at 7.45pm on Thursday night with kick-off taking place 15 minutes later. Details on how to purchase access to the stream and further information on their coverage can be found here via the SolidSport website. Your next Hibs read: Scotland striker inspires Hibs to victory - report and ratings from Scottish Premiership opening game

Man Utd transfer news: Benjamin Sesko boost as Bruno Fernandes makes demand
Man Utd transfer news: Benjamin Sesko boost as Bruno Fernandes makes demand

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Man Utd transfer news: Benjamin Sesko boost as Bruno Fernandes makes demand

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes wants to see more signings before the transfer window slams shut and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is their top target Manchester United are looking to bounce back this season after their worst ever Premier League finish. United finished 15th last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. ‌ They have already strengthened their squad with additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon, while Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan and Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have been released. ‌ Plenty more incomings and outgoings are expected before the transfer window slams shut, with Ruben Amorim keen to ship out the likes of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. ‌ Sesko boost Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko after it emerged that the striker's RB Leipzig team-mate Lois Openda will not be making the move to Sunderland. United and Newcastle are both interested in signing Sesko, who netted 21 goals in 45 games across all competitions last season. Fellow Leipzig striker Openda had been heavily linked with Sunderland and it is unlikely they would have let two forwards leave in the same window. However, Sky Sports are now reporting that Openda will not be joining Sunderland and that Leipzig are likely to sell Sesko instead. Fernandes' transfer demand Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has said the club need to add "more quality" in the transfer market this summer. ‌ "It's improving, but it's not where we want it to be," Fernandes said after United drew 2-2 with Everton in pre-season. "It's a game of football, there's always passion there. Whatever happens, happens. There was nothing spicy there, it's normal, it is part of the game. It's been positive [the US tour] and it's good to create a bond with the players. "We looked a bit lazy today and we need to change that. We needed more quality to get everyone to step up a bit more and to have more to do to get into the starting line-up. I think that's what the club and the manager are trying to do and hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that." ‌ Shearer verdict Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer is confident that Benjamin Sesko will be a success if he joins Manchester United this summer. When asked if Sesko has the skill-set to thrive in England, Shearer told Amazon Prime: "I do, I think it's a matter of who can afford him. There is no doubt that this football club has a history of making an absolute fortune on transfers and this guy could be the next one to come into the Premier League. "Either foot - left or right - which is great to see. The work rate, the work off the ball, he's got all them things and he's got very good technique, good balance and I don't think there is a doubt in my mind that and he would look very comfortable in the Premier League. I do think he has a lot to learn, but he can learn no doubt."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store