Hibernian head coach David Gray insists there will be no excuses if his side fail to overturn a two-goal deficit against Malisheva and reach the third round of Conference League qualifying.

The Easter Road side trail 2-0 after last week's disappointing first-leg defeat in Kosovo and must produce a vastly improved performance at home on Thursday evening to keep their European campaign alive.

Gray admits his side were well below the required level, but fully believes they have what it takes to turn the tie around.

"I was very vocal after the game in terms of the level of performance. I don't need to go over that again," Gray said.

"It shows you the level you need to reach to get the right result in these games. We were below that level over there, absolutely, and we need to be far better in every area to give ourselves the best opportunity to turn this around.

"We can still turn this around, I firmly believe we can. I'm certainly getting that from the players as well, so that's been the full focus in training this week."

Gray says his side can draw confidence from their performances in European qualifying last season, when they impressed against Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade and Legia Warsaw despite ultimately falling short of a league phase place.

He also hopes a strong home crowd at Easter Road can help inspire a comeback.

Jamie McGrath and Nicky Cadden will again miss out through injury but striker Ante Suto could be available.

"We need to be far better in every area to give ourselves the best opportunity to turn this around, Gray said.

"I firmly believe in the group. Coming back to Easter Road on a European night, some of the best nights I've experienced as a coach and a player have been here with the fans right behind you. They're going to have a huge part to play."

Gray also believes Hibs' bid to keep their European campaign alive extends beyond the club, saying progress for Scottish sides is vital for the country's coefficient ranking and future qualification prospects.

"I've always said you want all your Scottish teams to do well," he said. "Hearts played last night and you want Scottish clubs to do well in Europe for that coefficient.

"It becomes harder for everyone to try and get to that level. But the rewards are there. You've seen it with Aberdeen a couple of seasons ago, once you get into the group stage, the rewards off the back of it are huge. That's what we're striving towards."