Hibs: Anthont Stokes - We must learn from defeat

ANTHONY STOKES says Hibs cannot afford to dwell on the disappointment of their Euro exit and instead must focus on doing enough in the league to ensure they qualify for the competition again next season.

"We were in and out of the competition so quick, it has been really disappointing but now we have just got to concentrate on the start of the league season. We worked so hard to get into Europe and it's a bit of a sickener for it to end this way, but we can't really afford to dwell on that now.

"The first game of the league campaign is now the biggest game for us and we all just want to get this final pre-season game underway and look forward to getting some competitive games under our belts."

Stokes feels there are positives to take from the second leg, namely the determination and character shown when the odds were against the players.

The striker added: "The one thing that I would say about last night's game is that at least we showed a bit of character and we didn't just fold once they scored.

"We tried to get back into the game and we had a few half chances. I don't know what it's down to, whether it's sharpness or bad luck, but they're also a good side with some decent players.

"We had to go a bit gung-ho, playing the long ball to try to get ourselves back into the match but once they scored the game was dead.

"I actually think we started playing a bit of football then and we looked a better side."

As well as facing Blackpool in the final friendly this weekend, Stokes faces a busy few days as he has also been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly against Estonia on Tuesday night and he is hoping he can play his way to a permanent place in the national side by doing well for Hibs this season.

"If we can play like we did last night an improve on one or two little aspects and areas of our game then I think we can do very well in the league this season.

"It's a busy week for me, we have got a game on Sunday and then I am with the Irish team and hopefully they will help me improve my sharpness again.

"Fingers crossed for this season. I scored a few goals for Hibs last season and if I can just keep that up then hopefully I can also keep myself in the reckoning for the Ireland squad."