Valletta captain Jamie Pace also paid a tribute to Hibernians during the post-match press conference.

He said: “They are a very strong side this season. Their new foreigners, especially Matt Clarke have improved the side considerably, but they also have some very interesting youngsters in their squad. In these circumstances, we are very happy with the point earned. After all, I think we deserved it. We made a strong comeback in the second half.”

Pace said the citizens are well aware that every match will be tough. He added: “There will be no easy matches. We will have to fight hard to achieve our aims. But it is also a fact that one can never win all matches.”

Asked about the injuries to Jonathan Caruana and Gilbert Agius, Pace said Caruana suffered a head injury and had to be taken to hospital, while Agius suffered a calf injury.