Liam Miller keen to get Hibs' Europe bid back on track

It has been four-and-a-half years since Republic of Ireland midfielder Miller last played competitively against a club from the continent. Until recently, it looked a foregone conclusion that the 28-year-old would be making his Europa League debut next season, with Hibs flying high in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. But one point from the last three games has seen them lose their top-three spot to Dundee United, while arch-rivals Hearts have closed the gap on fourth – the division's final qualification place.

Former Celtic and Manchester United prospect Miller, therefore knows it is vital Hibs return to winning ways against Hamilton today.

"It's a big three points for us," he said. "We know we need to win the game to keep the pressure on United and the boys at the top."

Miller last played in Europe when he came off the bench in Manchester United's 3-0 Champions League win at Debrecen in August 2005.

"It would be great to finish third and obviously have the Europa League," he added. "We'll see what happens. It would be great for the club and hopefully we can achieve that."

But Miller admits Europe was not the first thing on his mind when he joined Hibs in September following his release from QPR.

"I think the main thing was the league," he said. "Having said that, there are still a lot of games to be played and I think third spot is still a realistic one."

In fact, Miller believes Hibs are perfectly set up to qualify for Europe season after season.

"I don't see why not," he said. "You look at the facilities and the stadium, and obviously the manager they have here now, and they've got everything on board."

Manager John Hughes – who has been linked with a move for Preston defender Michael Hart – was one of the reasons Miller elected to try to resurrect his faltering career at Easter Road. "I didn't know him but I knew of him through a friend and he had really good things to say about him," he said. "Having seen that first hand now, I'm just really pleased I came."

Meanwhile, Hamilton defender Trent McClenahan

insists taking Rangers to extra-time in their Active Nation Scottish Cup replay on Tuesday – as well as only losing narrowly to them in the league last weekend – has given visitors Accies a huge boost.

"I think it shows how far we've come in the last year and a half to be coming off disappointed playing against Rangers," he said "Obviously, Rangers are top of the table – you can't get any tougher really, playing them three times. We've got to take confidence from the performances in those games and try to continue those against the other teams in the league."