Gray on Belgrade repeat, being more clinical & injury latest

[ASFN Admin]

Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face FK Shkendija in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier.

Here are the main points:

• Gray admits Shkendija are "certainly a step up" in quality from second-round opponents Malisheva but he is confident "we're going in the right direction" in terms of match sharpness.
• He adds: "It will be a difficult test but a similar one in terms of an aggressive side that move forward quickly and a few players that can cause you a threat as well."
• This time last year Hibs overcame Partizan Belgrade at the same stage and Gray says "it's going to take a level of performance like that again".
• The Hibs boss wants "to have a real positive result at home" and stresses "if you can keep a clean sheet you're off to a very good start".
• After their defeat to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership opener, Gray admits his side "need to be more clinical" on Thursday night and are "certainly working on that area".
• The Hibs manager is also looking for his side to be "a lot more robust" in certain defensive situations and minimise the defensive errors they made against Motherwell.
• He stresses that reaching the league phase is "the target" and adds: "At this moment in time we're on course to do that but it's going to take two big performances".
• Gray is hopeful that in 10 days time "the squad will look very different" as he hopes to welcome Jamie McGrath and Nicky Cadden back into the fold.
• Team news: Callum Wright will be in in the squad on Thursday but the game is too soon for McGrath and Cadden who have only partially trained. Martin Boyle and Joe Newell have small issues but could still be involved.

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