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Hibs players told not to 'underestimate significance' of Euro victory as Shkendija left aggrieved Belgian side Gent await in play-off round after professional performance in blistering heat Victorious Hibs boss David Gray hailed his men for standing up to the sweltering heat and intensity of a high-pressure European tie in brutal conditions – after watching them secure progress to the UEFA Conference League play-offs. The Easter Road side turned in a controlled and composed performance to secure a 0-0 draw with KF Shkendija in stifling Skopje, earning themselves a 2-1 aggregate win. They’ll now face Belgian side Gent, with the first leg in Belgium next Thursday night, for a place in the league phases. History beckons for Easter Road side Gray, knowing his team stand just two games from becoming the first Hibs side in history to reach group stage/league stage European football, was pleased to see the visitors record their first clean sheet of the season. And he said no-one should dismiss the scale of this achievement – even if the North Macedonian opposition, who made it all the way through the league stages before losing to Samsunspor last season, aren’t high-profile European aristocrats. “It’s a fantastic result, a brilliant time to get our first clean sheet of the season,” insisted Gray. “I told the players to not underestimate the significance of this result, because going through ties in Europe isn’t easy. “The level of opposition, they’re not a household name and not a team we’re used to watching every week in Europe. But they have beaten some big teams here at home in the last few years so the players can be really proud of what they’ve achieved.” Gray, who led his team to within touching distance of the Conference League proper last season, only to lose to Legia in extra time in Warsaw, added: “Back-to-back, getting into the play-offs is a fantastic achievement. “The defensive unit was very good, we didn’t panic, dive in or give them any silly fouls around the box. We were really disciplined in our shape in the first half. “I expected the game to be different to Easter Road and it was. But I felt we had a lot of control, even when we didn’t have the ball at times we restricted them to shots from distance. “It wasn't really a conducive pitch to moving the ball. There were a few mistakes. “The start of the second half was a lot better, created a few really good chances. And if we had taken one of them it really changes the dynamic of the game “We have all been there before, when the score is what it is you naturally drop off and the opposition have nothing to lose so throw everything at you. You have to defend what you’ve got. “Every player right to the very last minute gave absolutely everything. Nathan Lowe sliding in to tackle in the 94th minute, there were blocks and people putting their bodies on the line.” Tactically disciplined performance Hibs made history by winning at Ibrox for the third straight season on Sunday. And have now followed up that domestic landmark by putting themselves – potentially – just 180 minutes away from another remarkable first. Tactically disciplined and strong where they needed to be, they looked a different side to the team who lost their first competitive game of the season – just over the border in Kosovo – a matter of weeks ago. Having been roundly abused by fans after that 2-0 loss to Malisheva, many of the same players were hailed as heroes by travelling supporters at the National Arena Todor Proeski. “A team that is difficult to play against, in this heat and on that pitch - we answered it all tonight,” said the gaffer. “We got a taste of what it would be like in Kosovo and it was similar to playing against Partizan in Belgrade last year, albeit without the crowd. The effort we put into Sunday to come here and get through, it’s a really strong start to the season. “Everyone is contributing and that’s huge. The squad is getting a lot closer to where we need to be.” Shkendija boss Artim Pollozani felt aggrieved that his team hadn’t managed to overturn the deficit from their first-leg loss in Scotland, saying: “Over the two games I think we deserved more. I felt we were unlucky today, the players gave us 100 per cent. “And I think if we scored one goal it would have been easy for us. But in football it happens and sometimes you don’t get what you deserve. Hibs are a good team.”