Hibernian displayed their squad depth as record signing Thibault Klidje marked his first start for the club with the opener in a 2-0 victory at William Hill Premiership rivals Livingston in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup.
The 24-year-old Togo striker was one of six players added to a relatively unfamiliar starting XI as David Gray rang the changes in between Thursday night Conference League matches at home to Partizan Belgrade and Legia Warsaw.
Klidje, previously restricted to four substitute outings since arriving from Luzern for a seven-figure fee earlier this summer, capped a lively display with a first-half header before substitute Josh Mulligan’s late strike ensured Hibs will head to Ibrox to face Rangers in the quarter-final next month.
Livi boss David Martindale – fresh from extending his contract until 2027 – made three changes to the side that started the 3-1 league victory over Falkirk as Daniel Finlayson, Mo Sylla and Shane Blaney replaced injured trio Danny Wilson, Adam Montgomery and Graham Carey.
In addition to handing Klidje his maiden start, Gray pitched in Austrian goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger and Zambian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa for their Hibs debuts, while Grant Hanley made his second start and Alasana Manneh and Kanayao Megwa were given rare outings.
The visitors started with intent and Klidje almost opened the scoring with less than a minute on the clock when his ferocious dipping strike from just outside the box was pushed over by Jerome Prior.
Hibs captain Martin Boyle was denied by some good defending from Ryan McGowan as he drove into the box before Josh Campbell saw a powerful strike from the edge of the box beaten away by Jerome Prior.
The Easter Road side made the breakthrough in the 43rd minute when Klidje met Boyle’s corner from the left at the near post and glanced home his first goal for the club from six yards out.
Livi’s first real chance of the match came from a counter-attack early in the second half but Robbie Muirhead completely miskicked his attempted shot as he burst towards the six-yard box.
Hibs had a great opportunity to double their lead in the 62nd minute when Chaiwa’s pass sent Junior Hoilett clean through on goal but the substitute – with his first touch after entering the fray – rolled his effort wide.
Livi rarely looked like capitalising on this reprieve and substitute Mulligan sealed Hibs’ win in the 87th minute with a stunning strike in off a post from 25 yards out.
