Hibs boss Jack Ross: 'We won't care if we're horrific at Hampden - as long as we win it'

The agony of past semi-final defeats are fuelling Hibs latest cup quest, according to manager Jack Ross.

Hibs manager Jack Ross said he was proud of the way his players dug in to defeat Motherwell and secure another Scottish Cup semi-final appearance. Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group

The Easter Road gaffer reacted with pride after his men held their nerve to see out a tense quarter-final against Motherwell on Saturday and as he prepares to take his men back to Hampden for the third semi-final of his tenure, he believes the squad are better prepared to cope with the attendant expectations.

“We've grown as the season has gone on and we are better at handling bigger games and pressure. I know we were 2-0 up [and were pegged back to 2-2] but that can happen in games, I don't think that was us not 'handling' it. They are a group that have grown together and that's another test we've passed.”

On the cusp of a notable top-three finish in the Premiership, the Leith side will return to Hampden on May 8 or 9 determined to finally secure passage to the final.

"The previous semi-finals have been strange occasions,” said Ross. “It was very fine margins against Hearts and first half against St Johnstone we were excellent, second half we were dreadful and that's the bit we'll remember and we accept that the end result is how you are judged.

"This time we just want to win it. We won't care if we are horrific on the day as long as we win it. When you've had the pain of losing these last two semi-finals, we want to make sure we have the elation of getting through. When it comes around I know we will have a group determined to go and win it.”

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