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Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
All to play for next week says Hibs keeper Jordan Smith
Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith insists it is all to play for next week when the side host FC Midtjylland at Easter Road. David Gray's side fought bravely to earn a 1-1 draw in Denmark, setting the tie up nicely for the return leg back in Edinburgh in a week's time. Jamie McGrath opened the scoring before the hosts levelled midway through the second half, with Smith making a number of important saves throughout the 90 minutes at the MCH Arena. Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Smith shared his thoughts on both the result and the performance. 'It was a tough tie, they asked a lot of questions of us, and ultimately we were probably a bit disappointed that we didn't win the game having been in that winning position. However, there are certainly more positives to take out of the game than negatives – we're fairly happy going back to Easter Road with it all to play for. 'It was a very mentally testing game for me, but defensively we've got a really good understanding of each other at the back. They are a quality side, with quality players – so we knew they were going to ask us questions, but I think we stood up to that task. 'It was nice to make my European debut at the age of 30 as well. I'm really proud of the boys. We didn't let the occasion get to us, we showed the opposition respect, without showing them too much respect and we took the game to them. We showed moments of our own quality and we did the other side of the game really well. 'If you had asked us before the game, we probably would've taken that result– it is all to play for next week.' Smith gave a special mention to the Hibs fans, who made themselves heard in Herning. 'I would like to give a thank you to all the fans who travelled over to Denmark and to those who watched back home and got behind us. 'We went through an awful lot last season, and this is the reward for that. So a massive thank you to the fans, hopefully we can do them proud in the coming weeks and give them plenty to sing about.' Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
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
STV News
6 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
David Gray proud of Hibernian players after draw at Midtjylland
David Gray felt his Hibernian players had made him and the fans proud after they secured a 1-1 draw against Midtjylland in Denmark. Debutant Jamie McGrath's seventh-minute free-kick put Hibs ahead in a bright opening start for the visitors and they frustrated their hosts until Aral Simsir netted from another free-kick in the 72nd minute. Gray's side were well worth their result and only a marginal offside against Martin Boyle prevented them going two ahead in the first half. Hibs now have the chance to move into the third qualifying round of the Europa League with victory at Easter Road next Thursday. Gray told Hibs TV: 'Firstly, I'm proud of the players for their efforts and performance. Especially the way we started the game, I know we get the goal, but even just the first 20 minutes, how brave they were on the ball. 'And then the shape, the discipline, the hard work, the effort, the collectiveness of the whole group, it had to be there against a real top team. 'This is only part one, it's half-time in the tie, but we gave ourselves what we needed to do when we came here, which is make sure the tie's still alive. 'It doesn't make the challenge any easier back home, we know that. It's going to be a real difficult game, but the players need to keep believing. 'Coming here, that's the one thing I said to the players, you need to believe to go and get a result and we've done that, so that's the first part of it. We need to take confidence from that.' More than 1,000 fans filled the away end and made plenty of noise throughout and there were other Hibs fans among the home support. Hibs head coach Gray added: 'To play for them in the second leg back at Easter Road in front of what will be a sell-out, that home advantage could prove massive. The fans are going to be massive, like they were here. 'I always knew when the draw was made that the fans would look forward to this one, and what we've done is we've given everybody something to be proud of. 'Now the fans understand how big a part they play, and they're going to be massive at home. We will sell out the stadium, European nights under the lights, to give us the best possible chance, because it is still a real tough task ahead of us.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Hibs players fully focused on Europa League Qualifier
The Hibs players are now fully focused on Thursday's Europa League Qualifier versus FC Midtjylland following Saturday's final pre-season match says Chris Cadden. The wing-back understands improvements must be made from the performance, but insists the team are now looking forward to our upcoming European clash. 'It was a tough test for us, as we knew it would be. It's good to get the final game out of the way. 'We know we need to improve, the gaffer's highlighted that as well. But all in all, it's been a good pre-season, so we'll be ready to go on Thursday. 'There's a lot of improvement to do, we know that ourselves, but we're full steam ahead for Thursday, which is the most important thing.' Speaking to HibsTV, Cadden reflected further on pre-season: 'I think we've played good quality opposition in pre-season. There's been no easy games, it's been tough right from the start. 'Bolton was no different, they were a tough, physical side. It's good to test ourselves, because Midtjylland on Thursday, they'll be a good team as well. There's a lot to improve on, a lot to get better at, we know that. The match also served as a richly-deserved Testimonial Match for Hibs stalwart Darren McGregor. Cadden, who played alongside McGregor at Hibernian, was delighted to see the reception Daz received at Easter Road while celebrating the day with his family. 'It's brilliant. He deserves every bit of it. Everybody who comes to Hibs knows Daz, knows his story, how well he's done to get to the level he got. 'A really good player, what a leader as well. But most importantly, the person, really great. Great to have in the dressing room, a real leader of men. What you see is what you get with Big Daz. 'It's nothing short of what he deserves. It's great that the cCub's done that for him and it's fully deserved for Big Daz. I hope he had a great day with his family as well.' Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
McGrath keen to build on 'dream start' with Hibs
Jamie McGrath says he got off to "a dream start" by scoring the first goal for Hibernian in their friendly win against Rot-Weiss Essen. The Republic of Ireland international made his mark inside two minutes against the third-tier German side, tapping in from close range after visiting goalkeeper Jakob Golz saved his initial shot. Advertisement Goals from Junior Hoilett and Martin Boyle secured a 3-2 win for David Gray's side. "It was a good game, it was a good workout," McGrath told HibsTV. "I think at this stage of the season that is the main thing. "We all got stuff out of it and we had some good moments as well, but a lot to improve on." Midfielder McGrath, 28, who joined this summer on a four-year deal from Aberdeen admits he is still "learning" the ropes at Hibs. "Still learning how the gaffer and how the lads play but a really enjoyable night at Easter Road in front of the crowd," he added. Advertisement "It kind of felt like a European game, it didn't feel like a friendly at all so a really positive experience. "It was probably a dream start, the first touch, I should have scored and then I scored with the rebound. "Millsy (Lewis Miller) done really well down the wing and put in a lovely ball. "He was raging that he didn't get the assist because I missed the first one but a great start."
