David Gray: Hibs need to treat Partizan second leg like it's 0-0

Hibernian head coach David Gray says his players need to treat Thursday’s encounter with Partizan Belgrade as a game they have to win.

Last week in Serbia, Hibs put in a terrific performance as a Martin Boyle double gave them a 2-0 win against ten-man Partizan, and put them in control of the Conference League qualifier.

Anything better than a heavy defeat at Easter Road will see the Leith side progress to the play-off round of the competition and take on Larnaca or Legia Warsaw for a place in the League Phase.

Gray believes his side are in good shape ahead of the match but says he has drilled into his players the importance of avoiding complacency.

He says the team need to treat the tie as if it is still goalless with 90 minutes to play, and go out to win from the start.

“It’s huge,” Gray said when asked how important mentality would be when faced with a tough test at home.

“I think that’s the message for me, the mindset. We spoke about it at length this morning, about how this is half time in the tie.

“Nothing’s been achieved yet other than we’re in a brilliant position, but it’s 0-0 in this game.

“It’s 0-0 starting the game but you go into every single game trying to win the game. It will be no different tomorrow night, going in with that mindset because I think if you try and hold on and you try and protect and protect and protect then you leave yourself exposed.

“So we will definitely be approaching the game as if it’s 0-0, with all to play for, because we know the threat and danger that Partizan possess.”

Hibs have already had one big European occasion at home this season, though late heartbreak against Midtjylland ended their Europa League hopes.

Gray remembers the backing of supporters in that game and wants more of the same when Partizan arrive.

“It’s a sell-out again at Easter Road, a European night under the lights,” the head coach said. “We know how good the atmosphere was in the Midtjylland game, and I expect the same again.

“We’ll need them to be right behind us, which they will be, and it’s an incredible effort from the fans again, selling out the stadium.

“So all in all, everything’s geared up for a fantastic night, hopefully.”

Gray had positive news on the injury front, revealing that in-form forward Kieron Bowie would be fit for the game, while Jamie McGrath still has a chance of being ready for action.

“Kieron had a little bit more just an impact,” he said. “There was that big stramash in the box in the last five minutes of the game, and somebody fell on him. But he’s trained fully this morning and feels fine, which is positive.

“Jamie went into a tackle second half against Kilmarnock. It was a big 50/50 tackle, and he opened his knee up a little bit. But it’s getting better all the time.

“He was on the training pitch today, but non-contact just to protect him on that and give him as much time as we can. And we’ll just see how he goes between now and kick-off.

“Obviously, we’ve got a little bit longer with it being an evening kick-off, but he did take a bit of a whack on his knee. We’re just looking at how quickly that can turn around.”