Hibernian midfielder James Jeggo cites his European adventures whilst in Austria as providing some of his best experiences as a player.
A clash in Turkey against Fenerbache during his time with Sturm Graz in 2018 particularly stands out for the Australian, even though his side narrowly lost the Europa League qualifying clash.
So the 31-year-old is more than aware that today’s match at St Johnstone represents a significant step in trying to return to that stage.
Lee Johnson’s side simply have to at least match the Livingston result from the Lions' clash at Dundee United to seal at top six place.
From there, a spot in the top five is likely to seal European qualification.
“I managed to play in a lot of European qualifiers but never got to a group stage,” said Jeggo, who joined Hibs in January from Belgian side Eupen.
“That’s something I want to do - have that campaign in my career.
“Even the qualifiers give you the chance to go to great places and play different teams. It’s certainly a very different experience as you can be going to places that are roasting hot in the summer and atmospheres are completely different.
“Fenerbahce was unbelievable. One of the best atmospheres I’ve played in and we were really unlucky not to go through.
“Those are the experiences and occasions European football gives you and that’s why the desire to get there is so high.
“Coming up against different types of teams. It can really challenge you as a player and a team and those are the types of things that help us grow.
“For this group of players it’s something we are desperate to experience and hopefully we can, it will help us keep moving in the direction we want.”
Last week’s derby win over Hearts at Easter Road came close to matching the atmosphere created in Turkey, especially when Hibs fans belted out a rendition of Sunshine in Leith after seeing Kevin Nisbet’s goal settle the game.
“It was unbelievable,” added Jeggo. “The buzz was still there a few days later.
"Just because of how much it meant to win a derby at home which hadn’t been done in a little while and to hear Sunshine on Leith was something we were desperate to do for the fans and the club.
“But also what it meant for our season. Not getting a result would have put us in real trouble. So massive credit to the boys and everyone involved because under difficult circumstances and a lot of pressure we managed to put in the best performance since I’ve been here.
“We want more moments like that. They are special and this club can give you them providing you do the business.
“The first step is getting a result this weekend.”
