Hibs to face Zenit St Petersburg or Dinamo Minsk if they beat Molde

Hibs’ fans could face a trip to Russia in the play-offs for the Europa League group stages.

If they can overcome Molde, Neil Lennon’s men will face Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg or Dinamo Minsk.

Zenit in particular have a huge recent European pedigree and a massive budget compared to Hibs.

Last year they knocked Celtic out of the Europa League winning 3-1 on aggregate. In 2008 Zenit won the trophy after beating Walter Smith’s Rangers in the final in Manchester.

They finished 5th in the Russian league last term and their squad includes Artem Dzyuba who scored three goals in the World Cup and former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Dinamo Minsk finished second in the Belarusian league last year and qualified for this stage by beating Derry City and Dunajska Streda,

Hibs face Molde on Thursday at Easter Road before travelling to Norway for the return leg the following week.

Zenit and Dinamo Minsk of Belarus will also play on these matchdays.

Tickets for Thursday’s game are now on general lsale via the club website.

The Play-Off Round matches will be played on 23rd and 30th August.