Paul Hanlon turns attention back to league business as Hibs look for way to soothe derby pain

Paul Hanlon has acknowledged it will take Hibs a few days to recover from a defeat his gaffer has already described as gut-wrenching but the Leith captain says they have to make sure the disappointment does not rollover into the league.

Hibs captain Paul Hanlon says that the players need to move on from their Scottish Cup semi-final disappointment. Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group

The extra time Scottish Cup loss to Hearts denied the Easter Road side a place in the final and the Capital bragging rights but Hanlon says they cannot allow it to derail their season. Not when there is still so much to look forward to in the remaining cup competitions and the league.

“Physically and mentally we put a lot into the game and it will take a few days. But, we are in a good position [in the league] and we want to continue that, so Aberdeen is a massive game for us,” said the Scotland defender.

Jack Ross’ men head to Pittodrie on Friday night, hoping to keep their Pittodrie hosts at bay in the battle for third place. Aberdeen sit a point behind but have a game in hand and Derek McInnes’ side are also one of only two teams to have bettered Hibs in the Premiership this season.

Kevin Nisbet’s penalty miss at Hampden proved hugely significant, but Hanlon says the team will rally round their leading scorer.

"We will all look after him, he plays in a position where you can miss chances and he's brave enough to take the penalty. He's been great for us all season and will continue to do so for the rest of the season, I have no doubt about that.”