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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Hibs reach UEFA Youth League play-off as Steve Kean roars 'bring it on' after Nantes triumph

Hibs have advanced to the UEFA Youth League play-off round after a stunning win over Nantes in France.

Josh O’Connor and Rudi Molotnikov scored the vital goals as the wee Hibees won 2-1 on the night to take the tie 3-1 on aggregate after a single goal success at Easter Road in the first meeting between the pair. Victory at the Stade Marcel-Saupin has secured a place in the hat for the play-off round draw, where they will meet one of the runners-up from the Under-19s Champions League group stage path. The draw for that takes place on Tuesday 8 November as the youngsters wait with excitement over their next stage opponents.

On the result, Academy Director Steve Kean told Hibs' official website said: "I don’t know if there are enough words to describe that and how we felt in the dressing room after the game. The spirit that we have within this young team is brilliant, for us to stay in the game and come here and win against an older, more physical team is an outstanding achievement.

READ MORE: Harry McKirdy holds Hibs talks after Swindon social media post as explanation demanded

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“We probably had 11 contenders for man of the match, to win at a place like this everyone needs to be at least an 8 out of 10 and I think each and everyone was that tonight.

“I am thrilled for the lads to get another opportunity to play against a big club in the next round and to try and get through again."

He continued: “There is a belief in the team that we can beat anybody.

"It doesn’t matter what knocks we get, or what starting XI is on the pitch. Everyone has an involvement and everyone has a role to play within the squad.

"We look at the teams that we might get in the next round, there are a lot of big names in the mix - so bring it on and let's get them at Easter Road."

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