Hibs boss Paatelainen to ring the changes for Intertoto 2nd leg

Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen has today admitted that he will ring the changes for the second leg of the Intertoto Cup clash with Elfsborg at the weekend.

The Hibees travel to the Boras Arena 2-0 down from the first leg at Easter Road after a woeful performance, which all but ends their European aspirations.

Paatelainen has already revealed that he will play Andy McNeil in goals against Elfsborg instead of Yves Ma-Kalambay, he said:

"People should not think Andy is second choice or Yves is No.1. I decided that Yves would start last Sunday and Andy would play in the second game.

"These matches, although they are competitive games, are part of our preparation for the new SPL season and I want to make sure both of our goalkeepers are ready for it."

He has also revealed that he will make a few changes to the outfield players and this could see the likes of Alan O'Brien, Clayton Donaldson, Ross Campbell, Benji and Darren McCormack come into contention.

Paatelainen said:

"There will be a few changes and the boys know that. I also think it is important as many as possible gain experience playing against European opposition; that's another reason why we entered this competition.

"It's quite a difficult situation. It's European competition and, while we are taking these games as seriously as any other, we are preparing for our season and players need match time."

What a very disappointing situation the Hibees find themselves heading over to Sweden. Mixu has stated from the start that Hibs would be more focused on their SPL campaign than the Intertoto Cup, so you have to question the wisdom in entering the competition in the first place.

On Saturday at Easter Road, the players and management looked disinterested and were taken apart by the Swedish side, a side we really should be victorious over at home.

Surely it would have been better to give the players the extra couple of weeks rest and not bothered with the Intertoto???

Thanks once again to Alan Rennie and the Hibernian Interactive team for the use of the photo.

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