Ian Murray glad summer will prove hectic

IAN Murray cannot wait for the busiest summer of his life as he prepares both for fatherhood and Hibernian's Europa League assault.

Easter Road stalwart Murray was crucial to Hibs' push for European football this season and is relishing returning for what is set to be an early start to next term.

But before all that, the 29-year-old will witness the birth of his first child. Murray told his club's official website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk: "My wife is expecting our first child on 7 June, so ... it is going to be a busy summer for me.

"Qualifying for Europe is a brilliant achievement for everybody at the club – the boys, the manager and the supporters.

"The feeling at the end of the match at Dundee United was unbelievable. We were really pleased to have got fourth place."

Hibs are in the middle of rebuilding Easter Road's East Stand, which could be completed in time for their first European home match.

Murray said: "It would be a great way to start life at the new Easter Road, with a big European game.

There are some great names in the Europa League next season."