Hibs took a step closer to the UEFA Conference League proper with a goalless draw against KAA Gent in Belgium last night.
Hibs thoroughly deserved the draw which sets up a mouthwatering shootout at Easter Road next week.
But David Gray is not getting carried away and admits there is still plenty of football to be played.
Speaking after the match at the Planet Group Arena, he told Hibs TV: “I thought the players were outstanding in terms of the game plan, in terms of coming over here, keeping a clean sheet against a really good side and coming into the game as underdogs.
“I certainly couldn’t ask for much more in terms of the control we had at times, defensive discipline and the shape. It’s another clean sheet, and that’s a big thing for us as well – and a real positive we can take from that.
“It’s kept the tie well in the balance, and we knew coming over here it was going to be difficult. We knew if we could keep the tie alive and get it back to Easter Road, then it would give us a real opportunity to try and progress.
“But we’ve not achieved anything yet other than it’s half-time in the tie, but it’s a very good start.”
Both sides had chances to open the scoring, with Hibs best coming from the penalty spot in the first half, but Owen Elding’s effort was saved by Gent Captain, Davy Roef.
The home side threw bodies forward in search of a winner in the second 45, but Hibs were resolute in defence and claimed a crucial third clean sheet in the space of seven..
He added: “I thought the shape out of possession was excellent in terms of changing the way we pressed and didn’t press at certain times. The players took on board the information quickly, which isn’t easy when you’re playing Thursday and Sunday – to try and jump from shape to shape at times, but they took that information on really well.
“At half-time, I spoke to the players about having a little bit more control. We turned the ball over a little bit too much, but we knew we could control that even more.
“Now we know we need to carry much more of a threat in the home leg, but in terms of what we faced tonight, we restricted them to very few chances, and I think it’s a fantastic away performance, coming into a place like this against a really good side and keeping a clean sheet.
“I thought we were very good value for that clean sheet. If the players had any doubt, or were starting to have any doubt or belief that we can go and progress in this competition, we certainly should be feeling it now, albeit it’s still only half-time.”
It’s now all eyes on Easter Road next week in a winner-takes-all clash, with the prospect of becoming the Hibs first team to achieve Group Stage European football at stake.
Gray added: “I said to the players this morning, for the whole Football Club, everything has been geared up to try and get to the group stage of European football, and we’re very, very close to that now.
“When you think back to leg one, away from home in Kosovo, to be standing here now off the back of that, the one thing we’ve always done is believe in the group. I said it straight after that game, and I always thought we were confident that we were able to turn things around.
“The benefit of this group is they’re all together, and I think that’s something that you’ve seen today with the scenes, with the fans. We’re going to need everybody, the fans included, at Easter Road next week.
“It’s got all the makings of a real special European night, the greatest games to be involved in. We’re certainly looking forward to it now, and I’m sure the fans will be as well.”
Once again, the players were backed by another terrific following – with a thousand fans packing out the away end and hundreds more watching along in Ghent city centre.
Gray concluded: “I know the fans were heavily outnumbered again, but the noise, even the scenes at the end, was fantastic. I say this to the players: don’t underestimate how big these moments are when you get the opportunity to have that feeling after games, and you can enjoy it with supporters, because everyone’s in this together.
“I say it every week, as it’s very expensive to follow football, never mind playing in Europe as quickly as we are, especially when you include the league games and the League Cup, so we’re all very grateful for the support as always.
“I’m looking forward to – hopefully a celebration – at Easter Road next week, as we’ve given ourselves a chance to try and recreate a bit of history. I believe the players can do it.”
