Extract from the captain’s programme column
“It was a real shame to end what had been a very good week on a disappointing note at Celtic Park last Saturday.
“But for all that we were beaten in that game, I think we’ve taken a step forward over our past three matches.
“It hasn’t all been pretty, free flowing football. The Motherwell one was a game we had to win no matter what, did not matter how the performance was. We just needed to get that win to get us going a bit.
“James Wilson getting his first goal for us will be significant as the season goes on, because getting that first goal under your belt is so important at a new club.
“To win the game against Motherwell and whenever you come out on top against them, you have to be pleased, whatever the scoreline, because they can make life difficult for any team. Another clean sheet was another big positive for us to take from that game, heading into the quarter-final in Edinburgh.
“To get through the semi-final was massive for the players and everyone associated the club. It was a real positive. It was testimony to the spirit that we have within the squad that we came through the shootout, away from home, to get ourselves into the last four and in amongst it again with the chance of getting to a final.
“We all knew the size of that task, especially as Hibs are so strong at Easter Road.
“In extra time it was my job as captain to go and try and win the ball get the boys going forward. I thought we had some good chances during that period which could have won us the game. I know we rode our luck at times throughout the 90 minutes, especially maybe in the second half when they had some good chances, but in extra time I felt we were the stronger team.
“It wasn’t to be, so it went to penalties.
“As the manager said afterwards the penalties were good.
“The gaffer is very clear that shootouts are not a lottery and that preparation and self-belief are key. We felt we were really well prepared going into the shoot-out to get the job done once again.
“I always want to first one. I just feel like the captain should be the one who steps up to try and settle the boys down and get us off the mark. It sets a good tone for everybody else to follow. As captain, that’s part of my job.
“I thought we took some really good penalties. The boys after me were all strong mentally and put them away with good confidence and power. When you do that you always give yourself a chance and are forcing the keeper to make a very good save.
“When you go into sudden death, once we score first it puts a lot of pressure on the opposition. Even towards the of the five spot kicks, when we scored I thought this is it! Credit to Hibs, they scored some good penalties, they had to be to get past Joe, but when you put that pressure on and keep scoring it was going to pay off in the end and that was what happened.
“It was a great feeling when it was all over. You enjoy those moments with your team mates in the dressing room afterwards.
“Ironically, we probably played our best football of the week at Celtic and ended up losing the game, but that was one that could have gone either way and we might have been coming home with points rather than losing the game.
“In the first half I felt we were reasonably comfortable and had a few chances at the other end. It was so disappointing to lose because I did feel the game was there for us. The goal we lose is so frustrating. Andy almost stops the cross, it is deflected and then loops up. The ball is then bouncing about in the box.
“It would have been good to finish the week of with at least a draw, that is what we deserved. But it was a good week and we take the positives out of the Celtic game and move onto Saturday.
“St Mirren have had a lift with the new manager coming in. They made life tough for Hibs last weekend, they’ve got a goalless draw with Celtic already this season too, so it will be a very different St Mirren side to the one we faced in the League Cup at Pittodrie.
“It is a massive game before we sign off for another international break. If we are to get the win, we’ll need to play well. But if we can get three points, it will make the table look much better and send us off into the break on the right note.
You can read the full article in Saturday’s matchday programme. To order your copy of redmatchday issue 07 click here
You can read the full article in Saturday’s matchday programme. To order your copy of redmatchday issue 07 click here
