MARCIANO DESPERATE TO MAKE HAMPDEN RETURN WITH ISRAEL AND FULFIL A DREAM

HIBS goalkeeper Ofir Marciano admits he would love to be involved in Israel’s crucial Euro 2020 play-off against Scotland at Hampden next month.

The 30-year-old is no stranger to Mount Florida, having played there in the Edinburgh club’s Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Aberdeen in April 2017.

However, Marciano sat out his country’s UEFA Nations League loss to Scotland in Glasgow a year later and is desperate to play his part in trying to cause an upset in the March 26 clash.

He played in five of Israel’s last six Group G qualifying ties to take his caps tally to 16.

He said: ‘The biggest honour in your football career is to represent your country at a major tournament.

‘It is a big dream for me and for Israel because we have not qualified for such a long time and this is a great chance for us to do so.

‘We know the Scotland game will be tough, but we have a good team and anything can happen in a one-off match.

‘I missed out through injury when Israel played at Hampden just over a year ago, which was massively disappointing.

‘But I was at the game and in the stands as a supporter, although that doesn’t compare to being out there, especially when you know how good the experience would be having played there before.

‘During my time in club football in Belgium, I played for Israel against the Belgians in their national stadium and it was a wonderful experience. I would love to do something similar in Scotland.

‘I am very hopeful that I will be selected to play against the Scots and I’m looking forward to the game.

‘However, before then I have to earn the right to be there by playing well for Hibs.’