HOPE & BELIEF ON BOARD FOR RETURN LEG

McGrath makes himself an instant hero

- By Scott Burns

HIBS put themselves in the Europa League driving seat after more than matching Midtjylland last night.

Jamie McGrath made an instant impact with a debut goal, but a second-half leveller from Aral Simsir denied them a statement victory in the MCH Arena.

Scotland's third-placed team went toe-to-toe with Denmark's second best, and David Gray and his side can be proud of their efforts.

They will now be looking to take full advantage of a sold-out Easter Road to finish off the job.

Gray had said before the game that the goal is to make the group stages for the first time. And they couldn't have been given a tougher task against the Danes who have Champions League experience and had previously taken out Ange Postecoglou's Celtic.

Both sides know that whoever wins next week will go into the third qualifying round against the Norwegians FK Fredrikstad.

The losers will drop into the Conference but Gray and his troops will be looking to capitalise on last night's performance and continue their Europa League adventure.