Jack Ross admits Hibs 'factors outwith his control' in keeping together his team after St Johnstone loss

Crestfallen Hibs manager Jack Ross has admitted he may not be able to keep his team together after watching his players lose the Scottish Cup final to St Johnstone.

Hibs manager Jack Ross leads out his side during the Scottish Cup final.

The Hibees – who finished third in the Premiership – saw their season end on a disappointing note as a Shaun Rooney header gave Saints a 1-0 win at Hampden.

Now Ross is expected to field several bids for his in-demand stars, with Kevin Nisbet, Martin Boyle, Ryan Porteous and Josh Doig attracting interest from clubs such as Brentford, Sheffield United, Celtic, Millwall and Watford, with the Hibs gaffer admitting he may have to preside over a summer rebuild.

"I think what the players have achieved today has been outstanding,” Ross, who has already signed Inverness’ Daniel Mackay for next season, said to Premier Sports. “I don't think that can be taken away by what has happened today. Once that soreness subsides they will reflect on an outstanding season.

"I want them to keep coming back here as Hibs players, and if their individual pathway takes them elsewhere I want them to come back here individually and win it. That will come for them.

"There is an element of that comes outwith my direct control. Naturally as a manager I would say keep them all because of what they've given me, but there may be factors outwith my control in that respect. If it's the case I need to build it again then that's what I'll do. That's my job.

"We have a group that could deliver consistent success for us but we will deal with that puzzle when we come to it."

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