Greg Docherty: Hibs will learn from 'sickening' derby defeat by Hearts

On-loan midfielder says Easter Road side can and will bounce back from 'sickening’ loss

Greg Docherty reckons the derby defeat by Hearts can be a 'wake-up call' for Hibs

Greg Docherty has claimed Hibs’ shock derby-day defeat will act as a wake up call for the Easter Road side and act as extra motivation when they meet Hearts again in next month’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

The on-loan Rangers midfielder admitted going down 3-1 at home as the Tynecastle outfit lifted themselves off the foot of the Premiership table was “sickening”, but he insisted he and his team-mates can bounce back as they resume their chase for a place in next season’s Europa League when they play Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday.

“It now becomes huge for us,” said the 23-year-old. “It’s a huge opportunity for us to bounce back and that’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show that side of us.

“It was a real blow, we’re all hurting and we will be hurting as a club in the coming days, but things can turn quickly. There’s a lot to play for before we get to the break and then the semi-final. But Saturday away to Aberdeen we can make a real statement again.”

‘Extremely disappointing’ given hopes and expectations

Jack Ross’ players passed up the opportunity to overhaul fifth-placed Livingston and to turn up the heat on Aberdeen and Motherwell, Docherty admitting the derby defeat was extremely disappointing to all at Easter Road given the hopes and expectations before kick-off.

He said: “It’s three points dropped. It’s a shame because we played really well on Friday night [in beating Inverness Caley 5-2]. It’s hard to put your finger on it.

“We’ve got to show a different side to us now and really come back from this and continue the good work.

“The semi-final, when it comes around, that’ll be our full focus. It will be a massive chance for us to make up for Tuesday night. It’s really disappointing, so that’s the obvious one (to make amends) to go to Hampden. There would be no better place to do it.

“A derby defeat is not nice, it’s sickening. You’re gutted for the supporters and everyone at the club. Maybe it’s a bit of a wake-up call for us.

“We’ve been playing well and going okay but that goes out the window. We’ll definitely learn from this, go to Hampden and maybe that’s the extra motivation that we need.”