THE mere sight of the Svangaskard Stadium in Toftir is enough to bring some supporters from Scotland out in a cold sweat.

This characterful, cliff-top outpost on the Faroe Islands was the venue that saw Berti Vogts' reign as manager of the national side descend into farce on a windswept evening in 2002, with a late Barry Ferguson goal required to rescue a 2-2 draw.

It remains one of the national side’s most chastening nights and, after a downright dumbfounding outing against NSI Runavik, Hibernian’s visit to these shores may live similarly long in the memory.

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Boasting a 6-1 lead from the first leg at Easter Road, Hibs conceded twice in a surreal opening, with an Efe Ambrose own-goal and a Klaemint Olsen strike briefly transforming mission impossible into simply improbable.

Runavik skipper Olsen would go on to notch a hat-trick as he enhanced his reputation immeasurably, with John McGinn, Lewis Stevenson, David Gray, Ambrose and a Stevie Mallan double ensuring Hibs managed to claim a 6-4 win, progressing 12-5 on aggregate.

“I wanted the boys to be professional – and they were anything but for the first 15 minutes,” reflected Lennon. “It was a bizarre night and we were sloppy at the back, but that is not a litmus test for what will happen next week [against Asteras Tripolis].

“It was like a pre-season, which – for us – it sort of was. It was a more experimental team, some of them needed the game time and that is nowhere near the level of performance I’d expect against better opposition.”

Lennon, who was serving the final game of his UEFA touchline ban, added: “Maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t have access to the dressing room! No, I can’t be too critical. We’ve negotiated the tie safely.”

Boasting a 6-1 lead from the first leg in Leith, retaining a semblance of mental sharpness was always going to be a test. Ambrose flunked that test with less than a minute on the clock, somehow contriving to lash the ball into his own net after misjudging a Bardur Hansen cross.

Astonishingly, Runavik – a side who looked utterly abject in Edinburgh – doubled their lead almost immediately as Pol Justinussen slipped a delightful pass to talisman Klaemint Olsen, who clinically finished beyond Adam Bodgan.

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Given the circus surrounding his future, it was perhaps fitting that McGinn was the man to restore sanity. He latched on to a loose ball at the far post and produced a calm, side-footed shot beyond Eli Joensen.

Should he finally complete his protracted move to Celtic, he will be unable to play in Europe for them until the Champions League group phase.

“I thought John was very good,” said Lennon. “He got us going with the goal that made it 2-1. His fitness looked okay and his passing was good."

The capital club levelled courtesy of a stunning strike from the most unlikely source, with Scotland internationalist Stevenson fizzing a wonderful drive into the top corner after meeting a Stevie Mallan cut-back on the edge of the box.

The visitors were roared on by an admirable travelling support of around 200, albeit 11 fans were unable to attend when a flight from Denmark was forced to turn back to Copenhagen, such were the treacherous weather conditions at Vagar Airport.

They then saw Hibs fall behind again thanks to the prolific Olsen.

Just about visible through the mist rolling in from the Atlantic, Gray levelled once more as he converted a fine McGinn delivery from close-range on the cusp of half-time.

Ambrose made amends for the own goal which set the ball rolling on a crazy encounter by giving Hibs the lead on the night. Once more, McGinn was pivotal, curling a wonderful left-footed free-kick which the Nigerian converted from point-blank range.

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Nevertheless, McGinn was destined to be outshone by Runavik’s own main main. Olsen, winner of four consecutive Golden Boots in the Faroese top flight between 2012 and 2016, scampered on to a long ball and, as Bogdan advanced, his impudent chip was delightful.

However, a late double from Mallan ensured Hibs walked away from a bizarre night in the Faroe Islands with a memorable triumph.

While through safely, the repeated moments of sloppiness on a breathless night in Toftir will not be forgiven next week when Asteras Tripolis, who have reached the Europa League group phase in two of the last four campaigns, visit Leith.

“We’ll have Darren McGregor, Paul Hanlon and Martin Boyle back for that,” added Lennon. “We’ll also feel the benefit of this game in their legs. That’s only our fourth game. We were sloppy to start with. But to score six goals away from home, I’ve got to be happy with.”