Hibs boss Lee Johnson admits there was a "gulf" in class after their Europa Conference League defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Villa won the first-leg of their qualifier 5-0 at Easter Road, with Ollie Watkins scoring a hat-trick.

Johnson said after the game: “I think we have a really good, honest bunch of players. I trust them and they give their all every day.

“There is a difference. Premier League players now are almost superhuman in their athleticism. It's the super-elite from all over the world and that's what you get.

“It was a good experience, and I don't think it will affect confidence going into the Livingston game.

“But the physical recovery is really key for us because we are a team that needs to use our running power and our physicality at our level to maximise our performances.

“I'm still proud of the club for being at this level on this stage. The reality is we have an English League One budget against a fantastic multi-international standard Aston Villa.

“It was clear there was a gulf in class, I can't deny that. At half-time we wanted to salvage some pride and look like we were going to go and win the half. We started it pretty well and got behind them, but that's the difference – one break, one poor positional error, one quality pass and a great finish.

“Having played against Premier League teams in the past, you cannot make positional errors because they're punished.

“So I hope this experience is a good one, because your lessons can become your teacher. We can grow from having felt the quality of the athleticism, the touch and the tactical work that Villa did tonight."