Elding’s effort in Hibs UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round fixture after nine minutes set the wheels in motion for another historic European night under the lights in Leith.
Trailing by 2-0 from the first leg, Elding stepped forward with the opener with a powerful early strike after a high-octane start, then set up Nathan Lowe’s pivotal third goal on 35 minutes that swung tie in Hibs favour.
The forward continued that form into Hibs William Hill Premiership opener on Sunday, where he was only denied a first league goal of the campaign by a full-stretch save from Motherwell’s goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, then had a shot blocked off the line by Martin Moormann, and the Irishman is hoping to have a similar impact when we meet the North Macedonian’s.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting with KF Shkëndija at Easter Road, Elding said: “It was nice to get off the mark pretty early and it set the tone for the rest of the game as well,” he told media at his press conference ahead of Thursday’s clash with Artim Pollozhani’s side.
“We knew we needed three goals, so to get one nice and early was always good.
“We were delighted to get through the tie as well, which is always a positive, and then we obviously had a difficult result at the weekend, but we need to move on.
“I think the last round just shows that there are no easy games in Europe, and it doesn’t matter who you play.
“If you have an off day, you lose the game, it’s as simple as that.
“I think we showed really good character to come back to Easter Road and put on the performance we did and get through the tie.
“European football is the biggest stage you can play in club football, and everyone dreams as a kid to play in these competitions, and tomorrow’s the next step to where we want to be.”
Elding also revealed he is enjoying playing alongside Lowe and believes that squad depth and competition for places can only be a positive as Hibs demanding fixture list continues to roll on.
He added: “There are loads of goals on our team.
“We create so many chances, and just as long as someone’s putting the ball in the net, it doesn’t matter who it is.
“It’s good competition, and there’s a lot of competition for places, for goals and all that, so it’s only going to push everyone on and make everyone better.
“My move here has worked out well, and when I came I wanted to play first-team football straight away, and I think I’ve done that.
“David [Gray] and the staff have kicked me on a lot in such a short space of time, and I’m only going to get better.”
