Hibees keeper targets Euro play-off spot
Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano admits he is desperate to be involved in Israel’s crucial Euro 2020 play-off against Scotland next month.
The 30-year-old is no stranger to Mount Florida, having played in the Leith’s side Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Aberdeen in April 2017 at the national stadium.
However, Marciano sat out his country’s UEFA Nations League loss to Scotland in Glasgow in 2018 and would love to play his part in trying to cause an upset in the March 26 semi-final clash.
Marciano, who played in five of Israel’s last six Group G qualifying matches to take his caps tally to 16, 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 a little over a year ago, which was massively disappointing.
“I was at the game and in the stands as a supporter.
“But it doesn’t compare to being out there, especially when you know how good the experience would be having played there before.
“During my time playing club football in Belgium, I played for Israel against Belgium at the Belgian 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 Scotland 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.”