David Gray expressed pride in his Hibs players despite the late agony which saw them crash out of the Europa League.
A brilliant overhead kick by Brazilian forward Junior Brumado in the 119th minute of extra time secured a dramatic victory for Danish side Midtjylland, who had earlier seen Dario Osorio’s opener cancelled out by Rocky Bushiri.
Gray’s side drop into the Conference League where they will face Partizan Belgrade in the third qualifying round, with the first leg taking place in the Serbian capital next Thursday.
‘I have very mixed emotions,’ said Hibs boss Gray. ‘I hate losing games but I can’t ask the players for any more.
‘It’s taken three spectacular goals for a top team to beat us over the two legs. They scored a brilliant free-kick in the first leg, their first goal tonight was as good a strike as I’ve seen at Easter Road, then an overhead kick wins it.
‘I’m proud of the team but it’s a bit raw at the moment. We can still improve but the way we played tonight was a lot braver.’
Junior Brumado wheels away in delight after his late overhead kick sealed victory for Danes
Rocky Bushiri had given Hibs hope with a dramatic extra-time leveller at Easter Road
Hibs boss David Gray could hardly believe his brave side had been knocked out of the Europa League
Gray refused to comment on a potential move for Scotland defender Grant Hanley who watched the game from the Easter Road stand.
‘We’re always looking for players but I’d rather talk about the players who were on the pitch tonight,’ he said. ‘There’s always speculation as we are working towards finishing the transfer window stronger than we started it.’
Rival coach Thomas Thomasberg insisted his side deserved to make progress to the Europa League third qualifying round where they will face NorwegiansFredrikstad.
‘I feel the better team won but I give credit to Hibs,’ he said. ‘We had to work hard in both games.
‘We didn’t think we would walk through to the next round, Hibs were a difficult opponent but we are happy to get through. I didn’t think we’d wait so long for the winning goal.’
