David Gray delighted as Hibernian respond to Midtjylland loss with win at Dundee

David Gray praised Hibernian for making light of their European exertions to kick off their William Hill Premiership campaign with a sure-footed 2-1 win away to Dundee.

The Easter Road boss admitted it was a “difficult” decision to make just one change to the side that started Thursday’s extra-time defeat by Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, Gray was rewarded with a strong display as Kieron Bowie’s first-half double proved enough to overcome a Dee side who pulled one back through Fin Robertson.

“I’m delighted because after everything the players put in Thursday night, everybody would be looking at today’s game wondering would there be a hangover, how will the players react the first time they went Thursday-Sunday,” the manager said.

“The players reacted in the best possible way with a real professional performance. I thought we controlled the game from start to finish.”

Gray was heartened to see recently-capped Scotland forward Bowie get off the mark so early in the campaign after he endured an injury-disrupted first season at Hibs.

“That’s the reason he was brought to the club,” he said. “He’s suited to Scottish football as well, with the physicality, he really enjoys that side to the game.

“The confidence levels will be high with the Scottish recognition as well, which is fantastic for him on a personal note, but he’s working hard every day, he’s getting fitter, he’s getting stronger and really benefiting from a strong pre-season.”

Gray was typically coy when asked about the future of defender Lewis Miller, who is understood to be close to joining Blackburn. The Australian is currently recovering from injury.

“There has been interest in him, but right now he’s still a Hibs player and until he’s not, my focus is on trying to get him back on the pitch as quick as we can,” he said.

Dundee boss Steven Pressley said he saw some “green shoots” of recovery against the Hibees after his side’s demoralising Premier Sports Cup group-stage exit last month.

However, the 51-year-old, taking charge of a match in Scotland’s top flight for the first time in 15 years, felt they were “nervy” in possession and was keen to stress the scale of the task he inherited in June.

“Almost every single goal from the team of last season was not there today,” said Pressley, whose talismanic captain Simon Murray missed out with injury.

“It’s a big rebuild. I’m not trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes.

“There’s a lot of hard work ahead. We probably need another six players in to bolster the squad and it’s a real challenge.”