Graham Stack’s agony at missing Scottish Cup Final

Stack was forced to limp out of the Easter Road outfit’s 2-1 semi-final win over Aberdeen having suffered a thigh injury and had his worst fears confirmed by a specialist following a scan which revealed the muscle had been torn from the bone.

Stack has been told he’ll be out of action for three months, ending his season and putting a question mark over his future as he is one of a clutch of Hibs players out of contract in a few weeks.

But it’s the thought of missing the Hampden showdown with Capital rivals Hearts on May 19, the biggest Edinburgh derby since the clubs clashed in the final of 1896 which has left Stack reeling. He said: “I’m devastated, completely crushed. I knew at the time it felt bad but you’ve always got that feeling of hope it might be okay.

“I went for a scan in the morning and was given some hope. The doctor told me it didn’t seem as bad as he thought, so I felt pretty positive. Then I got the call about five o’clock to tell me the bad news.

“It’s the worst game I could have missed. It’s a huge game and I won’t be anywhere near it. It’s the worst possible news I could have had. I’ve been told that I’ve detached my quad from the bone and will be out for ten to 12 weeks.

“After staying injury free this season, apart from a slight calf strain, and starting 35 games I felt I was in the best physical condition possible. It looks like I will have to take a back seat and watch from the stands while my pals stay in the SPL and win the Scottish Cup.

“It was meant to be the best and biggest day in my career and its been taken away from me. I might not be out there with a strip on but I will be with the lads every step of the way, including the ones at Hampden.”

Stack also admitted he was worried about his career beyond the final saying: “Missing it is bad enough but to be injured when I am out of contract as well couldn’t be worse.

“My whole summer, my whole life is up in the air. The only thing that fixes it is rest, there’s no operation for it. I now face a long hard summer of rehab and trying to get fit.”

Meanwhile, Hibs have told fans they hope to be able to unveil ticket arrangements for the final by the end of this week with the promise season ticket holders will get priority.