Warning for Hibs fans on Euro watch

Capacity at Easter Road has been slashed to just 13,800 as the new East Stand is built – which will lift the crowd limit to 20,250

But while work on the 6400-seat stand is "bang on schedule" – as is the re-laying of the widened pitch which was seeded this week – it won't be ready as John Hughes' stars swing into Euro action.

Hibs will learn who their opponents will be when the draw for the third qualifying round is made on 16 July, with the first leg of their tie to be played on 29 July with the return match a week later.

Although Hibs look like being seeded, meaning they'll miss the likes of Liverpool, Juventus, Sporting Lisbon and Galatasaray, interest is certain to be great considering this will be the Edinburgh club's first "proper" European action in five years if you discount a number of forays into the InterToto Cup.

Existing season ticket holders have until 3pm on Saturday to renew their seats with Hibs' director of communications and marketing, Fife Hyland, today revealing current sales are running at a three-year high.

Hibs enjoyed an early surge in sales with the introduction of a ten-month interest-free payment plan and a further boost as Hughes' players qualified for Europe on the final day of the season while reduced family prices have proved hugely popular.

Hyland said: "The reduced capacity at Easter Road means the only guaranteed way to see the European matches is to buy a season ticket as holders will have first priority."