Hibs goal scorer Josh Mulligan spent last night’s game thinking about an early missed chance.
But the summer signing believes Hibs have got what it takes to turnaround the narrow first leg defeat to Legia Warsaw.
After flying out the traps at Easter Road Hibs failed to take advantage of a number of early chances before going two goals behind by the break.
The visitors looked to be taking a comfortable two goal advantage in the tie back to next week’s clash in Poland until Mulligan lashed home a crucial goal in the closing stages.
“I thought the boys gave everything and went right to the end. We got the goal at the end,” Mulligan told Hibs TV. “Hopefully that can be a big goal, and hopefully we can go over there and get a result.
“We started really well. I missed one in the opening couple of minutes and I was thinking about it the whole game if I’m being honest.
“It feels good to get that goal at the end to help the boys. We started really well, put them under a lot of pressure but just couldn’t quite get that goal.
“All the teams we’ve faced have got quality, so we know what we are up against. Hopefully in the next game we can do play more like how we started this match and get a result.”
Mulligan’s finish – a low thrashed strike as Hibs threw everything forward in the final minutes of the game to keep themselves within touching distance of the Polish club – inspired belief in the home crowd.
A late surge, buoyed by the home support, could not bring a second goal, but strong away performances against FC Midtjylland and FK Partizan will have the Hibees confident of a second leg turnaround in Warsaw.
“I think it could be massive. It gives us a lifeline,” Mulligan commented.
“We’ve done well away from home so far and we just need to do that again. I’m sure the boys can do it.
“It’s only half-time in the tie. We just need to go again. We’ve got the quality, we saw the quality of the boys off the bench who made an impact.
“We’ll need everyone again for the next game.”
