Alan Stubbs proud despite Hibernian defeat

Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs has refused to criticise his players following their defeat to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership playoff semi-finals.

A 1-0 win at Easter Road on Saturday was not enough to send Hibs through as Rangers claimed a 2-1 aggregate victory.

The Gers will now face Motherwell for a place in Scotland's top division.

"We had enough opportunities to take the game further and, over the two legs, did enough to win," Stubbs is quoted as saying to BBC Sport. "You've got to give credit to Rangers. They dug in and more or less defended for 90 minutes and hit us on the counter. The players have been fantastic and I can't criticise them; they've come so close."

Stubbs took charge of Hibernian at the start of the season after being part of the coaching staff at Everton.