Hibernian boss Mixu Paatelainen thinks the challenge posed by IF Elfsborg in the Intertoto Cup will prove ideal preparation for the new season.The Easter Road outfit are bidding to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit when they face the high-flying Swedes on their artificial pitch in Boras on Saturday.

Magnus Haglund's side second in the top-flight Allsvenskan after only two defeats in 13 games, while Hibs have not yet completed their third week of pre-season training.

As his team seek entry into the UEFA Cup, Paatelainen admits the task of progressing to a meeting with FK Riga or Bohemians in the third round could hardly be tougher.

However, even if his charges lose out, he feels the experience will stand them in good stead for the start of the Premier League campaign next month.

He said: "It's been a tough draw, lady luck wasn't on our side when the draw was made. They are a quality, quality team. It could have been a much weaker side in the first game.

"It wasn't to be, but on the other hand, I'm delighted we're facing a quality team as we gain a lot playing against them. The boys saw the negatives and the positives of the first game and we're better off.

"We'll be ready for Kilmarnock (on August 9) and this is a valuable exercise towards that."

Paatelainen has vowed to ring the changes for the encounter, with Andy McNeil a certain starter in goal after Yves Ma-Kalambay played in the first leg.

Captain Rob Jones has declared himself fit following an ankle knock, but Moroccan pair Merouane Zemmama and Abdessalam Benjelloun miss out.

Zemmama is still sidelined after breaking his foot in April and Benjelloun picked up a knee ligament strain on international duty.

Paatelainen added: "Our boys have played one game now, which was last Sunday. Yes, we are a little bit better off when it comes to match fitness and how we want to play this weekend.

"We'll go there with a positive frame of mind to try and do as well as we can, but it'll be tough."

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