Hibs chief bullish over Euro chances

29 July 2010 08:38
John Hughes claims Hibernian are suited to European football - but his Maribor counterparts outgun even the Hibs boss in the confidence stakes.[LNB] The former Hibs captain has tried to instil a passing game with the emphasis on skilful attacking players since returning to Easter Road last summer.[LNB]Adding the likes of ex-Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller and former Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes to a side that already contained Derek Riordan helped fire them into the Europa League.[LNB]Hughes is excited at the prospect of matching his team against a different brand of football when they play in Slovenia on Thursday nightin the first leg of the third qualifying round.[LNB]"I think our game suits European football," he said. "I might be wrong and end up with egg on my face. "But our style of play pass and move, slow and good ball retention - I think it might suit Europe.[LNB]"But whatever happens, if their good players play better than mine, then we're in for a hard night.[LNB]"Brian Rice went over to watch them, the dossier is vast. But I don't want to give them too much and frighten them.[LNB]"I have great belief that if my players play to their potential then we can get a right good result."[LNB]Maribor beat Hungarians Videoton 3-1 on aggregate in the previous round and have won their opening two league games.[LNB]And Hughes has noticed some bravado coming from their camp.[LNB]"I saw a quote from one of their coaches saying most of their players are good enough for the English Premier and some English Premier players are not good enough to get a game for Maribor.[LNB]"If that's true, we're in for a right hard night.[LNB]"They have two really good wingers, the skipper comes off, the centre-forward can slot people in, the boy over the top scores goals, and they have two right hard-working midfielders who can also play.[LNB]"We are up against it but the work we've done has all been geared towards this game."

Source: Team_Talk