Smith: All To Play For

Hibernian goalkeeper Jordan Smith insists it is all to play for next week when the Hibees host FC Midtjylland at Easter Road.

David Gray’s side fought bravely to earn a 1-1 draw in Denmark, setting the tie up nicely for the return leg back in Edinburgh in a week’s time.

Jamie McGrath opened the scoring for the Hibees before the hosts levelled midway through the second half, with Smith making a number of important saves throughout the 90 minutes at the MCH Arena.

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Smith shared his thoughts on both the result and the performance.

“It was a tough tie, they asked a lot of questions of us, and ultimately we were probably a bit disappointed that we didn’t win the game having been in that winning position. However, there are certainly more positives to take out of the game than negatives – we’re fairly happy going back to Easter Road with it all to play for.

“It was a very mentally testing game for me, but defensively we’ve got a really good understanding of each other at the back. They are a quality side, with quality players – so we knew they were going to ask us questions, but I think we stood up to that task.

“It was nice to make my European debut at the age of 30 as well. I’m really proud of the boys. We didn’t let the occasion get to us, we showed the opposition respect, without showing them too much respect and we took the game to them. We showed moments of our own quality and we did the other side of the game really well.

“If you had asked us before the game, we probably would’ve taken that result– it is all to play for next week.”

Smudge gave a special mention to the Hibernian FC supporters, who made themselves heard in Herning and behind Smith’s goal throughout the game.

“I would like to give a thank you to all the fans who travelled over to Denmark and to those who watched back home and got behind us.

“We went through an awful lot last season, and this is the reward for that. So a massive thank you to the fans, hopefully we can do them proud in the coming weeks and give them plenty to sing about.”