Hibernian manager John Hughes claims his team still have a realistic chance of making the Europa League play-off round despite their 3-0 defeat in Slovenia.
Hibs found themselves three goals behind with an hour gone after Maribor clinically punished some sloppy play. However, Hughes is likely to turn to top goalscorers Derek Riordan and Anthony Stokes to help turn the tie around after leaving the pair on the bench until the final quarter in the first leg of the third qualifying round.
And he insists an early goal for his team would change the dynamics of the contest. Hughes told www.hibernianfc.co.uk: "Have we given ourselves too much to do in the second leg? Certainly not and I've seen results like this turned around before, and I've got players who can score lots of goals."
"I would like to think we could score an early goal in the return match and then it would be interesting to see Maribor's reaction."
Hughes added: "I was very grateful to the Hibs supporters who came over and I'm hoping that the players appreciate that level of support.
"It is a wonderful club and the fans are desperate for success."
Source: PA
