Hibs head coach Neil Lennon said his players should be proud of their efforts but called for further investment if the Premiership side are to progress further in Europe next time.

The Easter Road side were eliminated from the Europa League at the third qualification round stage after suffering a 3-0 loss to Molde in Norway.

Erling Braut Haland struck twice and set up the other as Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's side progressed.

While conceding the Norwegians were an excellent side, Lennon felt the comprehensive scoreline flattered the hosts.

"I think 3-0 flattened Molde to be honest," he said. "I always felt we were in the tie.

"But when we were on top we didn't take our chances so we've only got ourselves to blame.

"We've let that one slip.

"On paper, 3-0 looks like Molde were the far better team over two ties, that wasn't the case at all.

"Like I say, the spell after half-time, we should do better and score.

"But the players should be proud of their efforts, it's very early in our season and we are still thin in terms of the squad.

"It was a new experience for them and you could see them wilting a bit towards the end against an excellent side."

Marvin Bartley suffered a hamstring injury which saw the midfielder depart early.

Lennon pointed to removal of a combative presence in the middle of the park, coupled with John McGinn's recent move to Aston Villa, as key to the result.

"I am not going to berate my players for that, we lost Bartley, who is an important player, so were a little bit light in midfield going into the second half.

"Our response after half-time was very good and we should have made more of our opportunitites.

"We've competed very well but we are where we are.

"We don't have a lot of money to spend and have lost our best player.

"However, we did keep playing and created chances, that's the only bugbear of mine that we didn't finish them."

The former Celtic coach said further investment in the squad is necessary if Hibs are to go further in European competition over the coming years.

"I hope so, we need more investment and to bring a couple of more in, though.

"The squad is definitely thin, we are using the younger players but it is a great experience for them so we are in a healthy position.

"I had aspirations to make the group stage but it's not to be this year."