Lennon: Experienced Greeks are favourites

Hibernian boss Neil Lennon has branded Asteras Tripolis favourites ahead of their Europa League qualifier with the Greeks at Easter Road tonight.

Asteras reached the group stages in consecutive seasons from 2014-15 to 2015-16 and Lennon feels that experience could be crucial over the two legs – with Hibs not having made it into the first-round proper since 2005.

Lennon said: “Asteras are a big squad but are tactically very well set up and are a smart team. It’s a very difficult tie for us.”

When asked if the Greek side were favourites, he replied: “I would imagine so.

“We have very little pedigree at this level.

“We had the two games against Brondby (in 2016) which were an excellent starting point from my point of view in terms of taking the job on.

“I would say they have a lot more experience than us at his level. However, it is their first competitive game and any advantage we can take we should try and maximise.”

He added: “They put a lot of emphasis on European campaigns, so tactically will be smart and streetwise its a really good test for us.”

One of the sideshows to Hibs’ early-season progress – which included a 12-5 aggregate win over Faroese side NSI Runavik – has been the future of John McGinn, with the Scotland international attacker subject to bids from Celtic.

McGinn missed the first-leg win over Runavik but made a goalscoring return last week before another bid was turned down by Easter Road chiefs,

Striker Simon Murray departed Easter Road earlier this week, leaving the Edinburgh team short on attacking options – something they are looking to address.