Mixu: Short break no big deal for Hibs

Published on Tuesday 13 May 2008 10:52

HIBS manager Mixu Paatelainen insisted today that his players will be fresh and raring to go when their InterToto Cup campaign kicks off – despite having only four weeks rest.

The Easter Road side narrowly missed out on a place in the UEFA Cup for next season as a result of Motherwell's win over Aberdeen on Saturday and Hibs' defeat to Celtic the following day.

That means Hibs will be playing InterToto Cup football next season and, although the SPL doesn't reach its climax until May 22, the second-round match against either Elfsborg of Sweden or the Faroe Islands' FVB Torshavn, will take place on July 5.

That gives the Hibs players just four weeks' break before they return to training on July 23 but Paatelainen expects them to be champing at the bit for their crack at the InterToto – a competition which could still given them entry to the UEFA Cup.

The Hibs manager said: "Because we are in the InterToto we have a short close season, there are only four weeks for the players to get away and spend some time with their families.

"But they will come back refreshed from the break I am sure.

"Players all want to be out there and involved in games and any disappointment that they feel at missing out on the UEFA Cup will be gone within a couple of days.

"I'm sure they will all enjoy their holidays but they will also be looking forward to coming back and getting ready for the new season as well."

Paatelainen admitted that he personally was disappointed to miss out in his first season in charge of the Easter Road side and added: "I felt that we had a great chance of qualifying for the UEFA Cup next season, we took it right down to the last couple of games.

"I knew that we needed to take something from Celtic Park and unfortunately it didn't happen, it was always going to be difficult.

"We created a few good chances and their goalkeeper did well with a couple of saves as well.

"We passed the ball well, so I was pleased with that and I thought that every single one of my players gave 100 per cent."

Hibs reserves lost 4-0 to a strong Celtic side yesterday, the Glasgow side netting two goals in either half to seal the comfortable victory.

Darren O'Dea and Ryan Conroy put the Parkhead side in front before the break before Evander Sno and former Hibs striker Chris Killen made sure of the victory.