Daryl wants to get a Euro vision back on track at the Hibees
He tasted European action as a part-time player.
Now D a r y l Ho r g a n is devoting every working day to getting back to continental competition with Hibs. Horgan was part of the Dundalk side, managed by Stephen Kenny, that made the Europa League group stages three years ago, after falling at the final Champions League qualification hurdle.
He got there while also grafting in a nine-to-five job. But n ow, w i t h o u t the distractions of employment outside football, the six-timescapped Irish internationalist is determined to help Hibs reach the European stage.
“I would love to get back to Europe,” said Horgan.
“It was prob a b l y the highlight of my career, playing in Europe. If we can get up and around there this season, it would be fantastic.
“What sticks out? I loved the style of football. We had some amazing results.
“We beat teams that no one gave us a chance against leading up to the game.
“To get into the group stage and be competitive – taking it to the last day – was unbelievable for a club who were part-time and with lads who were working. “To compete with Zenit St
Petersburg and teams like that was incredible. And to be a couple of minutes and a goal away from the Champions League as well was incredible, too.
“Unfortunately, that’s long gone. But if I ever have the opportunity, I’d die to get back there. It would be unbelievable.” Horgan’s Dundalk success saw him courted by Rangers in 2016, something the Hibs star characterises as “paper talk”. He ended up signing for Preston North End, before making the switch to Easter Road last summer. In Edinburgh – and particularly under Pa u l Heckingbottom – he has embraced the opportunities afforded to improve as a player.
“The way football has gone, everything is broken down to the finest detail. If you can get any extra percentage why would you not take the opportunity to do it?” pondered the 26-year-old. “That has always been my mantra anyway.
“No matter what I was doing, it was about always working hard. But when you’ve done other jobs, you appreciate it that kicking a ball around is pretty great. “I worked in shops, summer camps - coaching, things like that.
“Small things, but when you have the opportunity to become the best you can, for an extra couple of minutes every day, it’s not too much.” Horgan hopes to put the theory into practise against Rangers today.
If Hibs are to achieve their goal of European football, games against the Ibrox side could prove decisive.
But despite the high stakes, Horgan reckons the Hibees aren’t the type of team to play it safe.
“I don’t think we are built to sit in, really,” Horgan said. “The likes of Rangers and Celtic will have spells when they are on top, and you are going to have to manage the game when those spells come around. “But we want to get on the front foot and get attacking and try to pin them back.
“If you are letting wave after wave of attack come at you, then something is going to happen.
“They have enough quality for someone to s c o re a screamer, or there will be a slip. Anything can happen.
“If you can disable that opportunity by pushing yourself up the pitch, then the better it is.”
The better it will be, too, for Horgan’s hopes of a return to Mick Mccarthy’s Republic of Ireland squad.
“I have made no bones about it. I love playing for my country,” he said.
“I want to get as many caps as I possibly can. Hopefully, get my foot in the door.
“I think the manager will be watching me. I have heard he has been. But it is up to me, really. If he picks me, great.”