Darren McGregor remains confident the Hibs youngsters will progress to the UEFA Youth League last 32 following his side’s 1-0 first leg defeat to Dynamo Kyiv.
The third round tie, which took place in the Polish city of Stalowa Wola, was decided by a deflected second-half strike following a tight, tense battle across the full 90 minutes.
After going ‘toe-to-toe’ with the Ukrainian heavyweights, McGregor is already excited for the second leg at Easter Road.
“I said that to the boys in there after the game, I thought they acquitted themselves really well today against a big, physical, strong, well-known European team.
“And for 90 minutes we were toe-to-toe with them. We lose a poor goal, we spoke about that, but we’re well in the tie and we’re looking forward to bringing [Dynamo Kyiv] back to Easter Road.
“I think we competed with them really well. So I don’t think we need to work around [Dynamo’s physicality], we just need to be our best. There were lads today that put in a really good shift.
“I think of Joe McGrath, I think at the tailend of the game when we’re wanting to keep the distances narrow, defend our box really well, he was excellent. He had some excellent blocks, he organised and communicated well throughout the game, which made it easier for the lads in front of him.”
Over 1,411 fans watched on at Easter Road as the team picked up a stellar 4-0 first leg victory over FC 2 Korriku in the previous round.
This support immediately makes the match ‘more memorable and special’ to the players according to McGregor, who also turns to the crowd for additional motivation.
“There are massive positives to take from the game. But I believe at Easter Road, on a really good surface, it’ll be a different story and we’re looking forward to it.
“It would be excellent [to have another strong backing at Easter Road]. The pitch in the stadium itself is wonderful and obviously we’re grateful for the opportunity to play there.
“But if we get fans along with that, it’ll just make it a more memorable and special night and give the lads that extra push and that extra motivation that they need.”
