Hibernian head coach David Gray praised his players as "magnificent" after a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje secured a Conference League play-off tie against Gent. The Easter Road side progressed thanks to a 2-1 first-leg lead, holding firm in stifling heat to reach the next round.
Gray hails defensive discipline
Gray described the result as "fantastic" and highlighted the significance of the team's first clean sheet of the season. "It's a fantastic result, a brilliant time to get our first clean sheet of the season," he said. "I told the players to not underestimate the significance of this result, going through ties in Europe isn't easy."
The manager noted the quality of the opposition: "They have beaten some big teams here at home in the last few years so the players can be really proud of what they've achieved. Back-to-back, getting into the play-offs is a fantastic achievement."
Composed performance under pressure
Gray praised his team's composure in difficult conditions. "The defensive unit was very good, we didn't panic, dive in or give them any silly fouls around the box," he said. "We were really disciplined in our shape in the first half. I expected the game to be different to Easter Road and it was, but I felt we had a lot of control, even when we didn't have the ball at times we restricted them to shots from distance."
He acknowledged the pitch was not ideal: "It wasn't really a conducive pitch to moving the ball, there were a few mistakes. The start of the second half was a lot better, created a few really good chances and if we had taken one of them it really changes the dynamic of the game."
Team effort and strong start
Gray highlighted contributions from new signings Nathan Lowe and Adam Mayor, as well as established players, in a performance that followed a win over Rangers at Ibrox. "We have all been there before, when the score is what it is you naturally drop off and the opposition have nothing to lose so throw everything at you," he said. "You have to defend what you've got, every player right to the very last minute gave absolutely everything. Nathan sliding in to tackle in the 94th minute, there were blocks and people putting their bodies on the line."
He added: "We got a taste of what it would be like in Kosovo and it was similar to playing in Partizan last year, albeit without the crowd. The effort we put into Sunday [at Ibrox] to come here and get through, it's a really strong start to the season. Everyone is contributing and that's huge. The squad is getting a lot closer to where we need to be."
Shkendija coach Artim Pollozhani felt his team deserved more. "Over the two games I think we deserved more," he said. "I felt we were unlucky. The players gave us 100 per cent and I think, if we scored one goal, it would have been easy for us. But in football it happens and sometimes you don't get what you deserve. Hibs are a good team."
