Hanlon: Hibs can avoid joining list of high-profile exits

Paul Hanlon insists Hibs can handle the pressure of being overwhelming favourites for their Europa League showdown against Faroe Island minnows NSI Runavik.

Neil Lennon’s men, who lost out on penalties to Brondby despite a magnificent 1-0 win in Copenhagen in their last continental campaign two years ago, will be planning to take control of the tie when the part-timers visit Easter Road tomorrow night.

However, the recent history of Scottish clubs in Europe has been littered by high-profile upsets, most notably Rangers’ chastening exit against Progres Niederkorn of Luxembourg 12 months ago.

St Johnstone were dumped out by Lithuanian cracks FK Trakai at the same stage.

Nevertheless, Hanlon is confident Hibs will overcome a Runavik side midway through their domestic season – and tee up an altogether tougher encounter against Greek top-flight outfit Asteras Tripolis in the next round.

“There’s pressure, obviously,” said Hanlon. “A lot of Scottish teams haven’t done as well in Europe as what they want. Past results we can’t affect. It’s just about what we do now.

0 Paul Hanlon: Confident

We worked hard all last year to put ourselves in this position, so we’re not going to just let it go.

“All we can do is focus on ourselves and get through to the next round. I don’t know a lot about Runavik. They’re a good bit into their season, so they’ll be up to speed and fit, but it’s about what we do.”

Hanlon is adamant being given the runaround by a classy Blackburn outfit during his testimonial match on Sunday could prove a blessing in disguise for their preparations.

The Championship side, led by former Hibs managertony Mowbray, illustrated their quality in the second half, with goals from Craig Conway and Willem Tomlinson securing the victory.

“We needed that test, definitely,” added Hanlon. “Sunday was a proper challenge.in that heat, it was tough going and Tony Mowbray put a completely fresh team on at half-time which made it difficult for us.“