Aussies Abroad: Hibernian's fond farewell for Mark Milligan

Mark Milligan’s time with Edinburgh giants Hibernian came to an end with a 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen overnight in the Scottish Premiership.

Hibernian confirmed on Saturday that Milligan, 33, would be departing Easter Road following the end of his contract.

The Australian skipper arrived in Edinburgh in August 2018, playing 30 matches across all competitions and helping Hibs finish fifth – three points about fierce rivals Heart of Midlothian.

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Featured image: Hibernian FC on Twitter

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He quickly became a regular fixture in the starting XI, primarily at the base of midfield but also in the heart of defence, and his experience was invaluable during a transitional period for the club.

“Mark has been the ultimate professional since Robbie [Hibernian assistant coach Robbie Stockdale] and I walked through the door, as you would expect from someone who captains his country and has featured in four World Cups,” Hibernian boss Paul Heckingbottom told the club’s official website.

“His experience and versatility has been important and Mark’s been a great influence on our younger players in particular.

“He couldn’t have given any more for the cause and I’d like to wish him well for the next chapter in his career.”

Milligan played until just over the hour mark against Aberdeen, leaving the pitch to a rousing ovation in the 64th minute.

Milligan
Hibs 'keeper Ofir Marciano embraces Milligan after the match

Mark McNulty broke the deadlock for Hibs, but they were pegged back by goals from Aberdeen’s Sam Cosgrove and James Wilson.

Elsewhere in Scotland, Tom Rogic’s Celtic wrapped up another title-winning season with a 2-1 win over Hearts.

Scotland youth international Michael Johnston struck twice, in the second and 84th minutes respectively, to edge out a Hearts reply from Jake Mulraney.

Rogic was absent from Neil Lennon’s match day squad – but was in the thick of the post-match celebrations, as the Glasgow giants lifted the league title, their eighth in a row, at Celtic Park.

Celtic meet Hearts next Sunday in the Scottish Cup Final (kick off 12:00am AEST).

Rogic
Rogic (pictured fourth from the right in the background) celebrates Celtic's eighth straight Scottish Premiership title

Giannou finishes Cypriot First Division on a high

Caltex Socceroos striker Apostolos Giannou finished the Cypriot First Division campaign on a high, netting a crucial equaliser in AEK Larnaca’s 2-1 defeat of AC Omonia.

Giannou reacted quickest to bundle the ball home in the 71st minute after an AC Omonia defender had blocked a goal-bound effort on the line.

AEK Larnaca finished runners-up in the league, eight points behind champions Apoel Nicosia.

Meanwhile, James Jeggo saw red in the Austrian Bundesliga, but his Austria Wien team continued their march to a potential UEFA Europa League spot after a 2-0 win over Wolfsberg.

Jeggo received his marching orders for a second bookable offence in the 60th minute.

WATCH: Giannou scored a crucial goal for AEK Larnaca in their final match of the league campaign
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