David Gray states the travelling support will “make a huge difference” as Hibs take on FC Midtjylland in their first UEFA Europa League qualifier tonight.
The team travelled from Edinburgh yesterday afternoon, before training in the MCH Arena where they will take on the 2024/25 Danish Superliga runners-up.
After competing in vigorous pre-season friendlies, including fixtures against Dutch giants Ajax and English Premier League club AFC Bournemouth, Gray believes his team are as prepared as can be for their first continental challenge.
“Players have come through the games, got minutes into their legs,” said Gray.
“This match is why we have been doing what we have been doing, playing against a lot of tough opposition within pre-season.
“I’ve not been getting carried away with results. From a physical point of view, we feel we’ve got the players in a good position.
“We were a little later arriving [in Denmark] so we had to tweak our session,” he added on matchday minus one preparations for Hibs’ first competitive match of the season.
“It was important to come to the stadium and to train on the pitch. I’ve experienced it myself and it gives the players a little familiarity.
“The training session was bright and bubbly. All the hard work has been done, we’re all geared up to the match.”
Hibs supporters have travelled to Herning, Denmark, in great numbers – and noise – ahead of the club’s first European match of the 2025/26 campaign.
While remembering a former trip to Brøndby, Gray spoke on how crucial the Hibees’ support is for the team in Denmark.
“The fans will make a huge difference. It’s their reward as well. At the start of last season, we went through tough times. The fans, as they always do, showed up in numbers.
“This is their reward, European football is what everyone wants to see.
“I’m sure it will be a fantastic occasion and hopefully we can go home with a positive result.”
Gray has almost a full squad at his disposal, missing only three players in total, including two long-term injuries anticipated ahead of preparations for the first leg.
“Millsy (Lewis Miller) has not made it. Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov, the two longer-term ones, haven’t made it.
“Apart from that, everyone is fit and healthy. The players are all in a really good place.
“Millsy was just an impact injury.
“From a squad point of view, we feel we are in a really good position and the players are chomping at the bit to be selected.”
