Jamie McGrath eager to improve after Hibernian ‘dream start'
The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who arrived this summer on a four-year contract after leaving Aberdeen, made his mark inside two minutes against the German side, knocking in from close range after visiting keeper Jakob Golz had saved his initial drive.
Further goals from Junior Hoilett and Martin Boyle secured a 3-2 win for David Gray's side.
'It was a good game, it was a good workout – I think at this stage of the season that is the main thing,' McGrath told Hibs TV.
'This part of the season is getting the hard runs in, trying to get fitter game by game.
'So it was good work out for all of us. We all got stuff out of it and we had some good moments as well, but a lot to improve on.
'Still learning how the gaffer and how the lads play but a really enjoyable night at Easter Road in front of the crowd.
'It kind of felt like a European game, it didn't feel like a friendly at all so a really positive experience.
'It was probably a dream start, the first touch, I should have scored and then I scored with the rebound.
'Millsy (Lewis Miller) done really well down the wing and put in a lovely ball.
'He was raging that he didn't get the assist because I missed the first one but a great start.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
9 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak agrees move as major clue dropped
Liverpool have enjoyed a sensational window this summer but their work is not nearly finished as the Reds continue to pursue a sensational move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak Given the money they've spent so far, most would think that Liverpool boss Arne Slot would be happy with his squad. But you'd be sorely mistaken. Despite the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, the Reds still want to add some more new faces. And the one they really want is Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has already requested a move away from St James' Park, with Liverpool thought to be at the front of the queue for his services. But it's going to take some serious negotiations to get a deal done. Newcastle are expected to demand around £150m for his signature but Liverpool chiefs are hopeful of negotiating that down. Elsewhere, departures are also on the agenda for the reigning Premier League champions. Luis Diaz is on the verge of a move to Bayern Munich, with other stars also potentially set to follow him through the exit door. Take a look at all of the Liverpool transfer news and rumours below: Isak agrees Liverpool deal While there is still work to be done to agree a deal with Newcastle for Isak, it appears that the striker himself has given the go-ahead to a switch. After dropping his bombshell request to leave Newcastle, he has now agreed terms with Liverpool. According to Sky Sport Switzerland, Isak has green-lit a contract with the Reds that matches his personal wage demands. The contract is expected to be valid for five years. Liverpool will now have to open talks with Newcastle to get a deal done. It is further reported that a meeting is expected to be held between the two sides over the next 48 hours. Bayern drop major clue German giants Bayern Munich have dropped a major clue that they are ready to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool. The Bundesliga side have already thrashed out terms with the Reds that will see the Colombian move for a fee of around £65m. And they are now making space in their squad ahead of his arrival. According to Sky in Germany, fellow winger Bryan Zaragoza is set to depart the Allianz Arena. He will move to La Liga side Celta Vigo on loan with an obligation clause written into the deal. His exit comes just 18 months after his arrival from fellow Spanish side Granada. Liverpool set to sell three Following Diaz, a further three sales are on the agenda for Liverpool as they attempt to generate funds for Isak. According to ESPN, striker Darwin Nunez is expected to follow Diaz out of the exit door. Midfielder Harvey Elliott and winger Federico Chiesa are also potentially set to depart. And should those three deals be done, that would fetch Liverpool around £100m. Nunez has been linked with moves to Napoli and Saudi Arabia, while Chiesa is a candidate for a switch back to Italy. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd transfer news: Benjamin Sesko makes decision as target speaks out on move
Manchester United have turned their attention to signing a centre-forward and goalkeeper in the summer transfer window as the Premier League season fast approaches Manchester United still have a lot of work to do in the summer transfer window after signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United endured a miserable 2024/25 season and know they need major reinforcements if they are to turn things around. Cunha, a £62.5million addition from Wolves, and Mbeumo, who cost a potential £71m from Brentford, are big signings, but it has been slow going on other fronts. The most important is at centre-forward, where United missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal. They cannot afford another miss and have identified some new targets, including Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, as the pre-season tour of the United States continues, there are plans in the works to improve in the goalkeeping department. Here is the latest from Mirror Football. Sesko 'prefers United' United know how difficult it can be to sign a striker, having missed out on at least three occasions already this summer to rivals. Well, another similar situation could be brewing with RB Leipzig striker Sesko and Newcastle. The Magpies lost out on Ekitike to Liverpool and need to replace Callum Wilson, even if Alexander Isak stays put. They are moving for Sesko and it appears to be a straight shoot-out with United, who are also interested. Local newspaper Leipziger Volkszeitung says Sesko's agent is in talks with both Newcastle and United and it could come down to the choice of the Slovenian. In that case, Sesko would 'undoubtedly' pick Ruben Amorim's side, despite the fact they can't offer any European football and Newcastle are in the Champions League. Lammens keen on transfer Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens is keen on a move to Manchester United. Lammens is one of the players United are considering after a difficult campaign for Andre Onana, while Altay Bayindir didn't convince when he got a chance either. Ambitious moves for Aston Villa's Emi Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma have gone nowhere, but Lammens is available for €15-20million (£13-17m). 'Manchester United are one of the best clubs, yes," he told reporters after sporting director Marc Overmars signed Taishi Brandon Nozawa to replace him. "But you never know. It could also be a different club, or who knows, I might stay here, in any case, I try to keep my feet on the ground. When teams like that come along, I think you've earned it.' He added: 'I certainly have enough confidence in myself. I think the most important thing is that my future team, whenever they arrive, has a plan in place. Ideally, that means playing immediately, but it's also possible I'll have to take a step in between. As long as there's a plan, it doesn't matter whether I'm ready for the next step or not. Everyone has their own career, their own path. Even if I don't take the right step right away, I'll get there.' Antony to Al-Nassr Al-Nassr appear to be coming to Manchester United's rescue with a move for Antony. The Brazilian is one of the outcasts Amorim is desperate to sell, but a move back to Real Betis, following a successful loan spell, never materialised due to financial problems. Now the Saudi Arabian side have made their interest known. Fresh off the back of agreeing a deal for one Premier League flop, in the form of Chelsea's Joao Felix, Al-Nassr also want to do the charity of signing Antony to join Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo up front. Antony would consider such a move, according to his agent, so it looks like a goer. Having already got rid of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, this would leave Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho as the final unwanted players to offload. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Sarina Wiegman urges more investment in women's game at Downing Street reception
After successfully defending their European crown with a penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in the tournament's showpiece in Basel on Sunday evening, the England team flew home to attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team arrived just before 7pm, with Number 10 decorated for the occasion with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. As Wiegman rose to speak to those gathered in the Downing Street garden she joked that 'this is different from standing next to a pitch'. She added: 'I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that's why we're here now. 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team. 'Thank you so much for having us here. It's very, very special to be here and to be in this very nice garden with the way you set it up with all these pictures, it makes it more special, it's the first moment it sinks in a little bit because it was surreal what happened last night.' Wiegman, speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, used the moment to call for further investment in the game. 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls,' Wiegman said. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more. 'I heard we need to change some things about taxes…I think we have that confirmation tonight. So let's move forward. 'We need some more investment. We're not there yet. In England we're up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans – let's keep being the trailblazers.' In her own speech, Rayner congratulated Wiegman's team on defending their title 'with grit, with determination and with skill'. 'You roared, and I know I wasn't the only one roaring with you,' Rayner said. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty for England in the shoot-out after goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two outstanding saves. The game had gone to extra time and spot-kicks after Alessia Russo cancelled out the opener from Arsenal team-mate Mariona Caldentey as it finished 1-1 following extra time. Welcome home, #Lionesses! 👋 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2025 After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's plane branded with the word 'home' touched down at Southend Airport on Monday afternoon. In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane. Holding the trophy, captain Leah Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside Wiegman. Outside the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team and the trophy back home. A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. A trip to the Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad as it is understood possible plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides. Defender Jess Carter has not joined her team-mates for the celebrations in London as she has returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC's NWSL match against the Chicago Stars on Saturday.
