Hibs will face FC Malisheva of Kosovo next week as they begin their Conference League campaign at the second qualifying round stage.

The Kosovan side lost the away leg of their first round qualifier against Albanian outfit KF Vllaznia 2-1, where they were reduced to 10 men, after defender Andreas Skovgaard’s sending off. Malisheva took the lead on home soil in the second leg at Kampi Nacional when Kreshnik Uka netted just after 30 minutes. That levelled the tie up on aggregate and striker Dzemal Ibishi put the Albanians up against it with his first half stoppage time goal to edge Malisheva ahead overall.

Two more strikes came following the interval from Uka - who also grabbed an assist in a strong performance - and Arlind Veliu to all but end the tie as a competitive contest. Krenar Dulaj made it a 5-0 rout on the day and 6-2 on aggregate and David Gray’s side will play the first leg of their second round qualifier away from home on July 23. The return leg is at Easter Road seven days later. Hibs qualified for Europe after finishing fifth in the Premiership last season and Celtic’s Scottish Cup win granted access back to the continent.

What happened last time Hibs were in Europe?

A play-off round defeat was inflicted on Hibs last season against Legia Warsaw. They lost in the Europa League’s second round of qualification versus Midtjylland last summer before defeating Partizan Belgrade upon dropping into Conference League territory. Gray’s side pushed Legia to extra-time but lost 5-4 on aggregate after a 3-3 away from home followed on from losing 2-1 in Leith.

They will hope to go one better this summer and reach the league phase which would provide a seven-figure boost to Easter Road coffers. Hibs start this campaign as a seeded side and will find out possible third round qualification opponents when the draw is made on July 20. European football is part of the reason Stoke City have loaned striker Nathan Lowe to Easter Road for this season after it was confirmed the 20-year-old had signed a new deal with the English Championship side until 2029.

Lowe joins Hibs after loans to Walsall, Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers. Stoke City sporting director Jonathan Walters said: “Nathan has no doubt benefitted from the experiences he’s had in Leagues One and Two, and it speaks to his mature character that he wants to test himself in a new environment in Scotland. That he will also gain exposure to playing in European competition is something new and will only help his development. We will keep a close eye on his progression and wish him well during his time at Hibernian.”

A Stoke statement adds: “Stoke City striker Nathan Lowe has penned a contract extension to 2029 and joined SPFL side Hibernian on loan. The 20-year-old striker, who progressed through the Potters’ Academy and has since made 27 first team appearances, moves to Easter Road for the 26/27 campaign. The 24/25 League Two Young Player of the Season has scored 29 goals in 49 starts during spells with Walsall, Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers in the third and fourth tiers in the past two campaigns. His move to Scotland follows Hibs’ fifth place finish last term, which secured a spot in this season’s UEFA Conference League.”