The moment Hibs thought Hearts game plan went out the window as 'desperate' craving sets in amid day to savour
Hibs hero wants more Hampden success after day to savour over Hearts
Joe Newell insists he’s desperate for Premier Sports Cup final glory at Hibs - after an early game plan setback was put aside versus Hearts.
The 33-year old veteran was Man of the Match in their 2-1 semi-final victory against rivals from Edinburgh. The win sets up a showpiece clash against Rangers next month and it also broke their Hampden hoodoo against the Jambos, having never defeated them before at the national stadium.
Hibs didn’t have things all their own way as a header from Hearts forward Claudio Braga gave the Jambos the lead after just four minutes. It was at this moment that Newell claimed the tactical plan from boss Marink Reedijk threatened to disappear before their course was corrected en-route to victory.
Why did Hibs’ derby game threaten to go ‘out the window’?
When asked about his reaction to the early sucker punch, the Englishman responded: "Here we go. That's the game plan out the window! Yeah, it's not ideal, is it? You go to bed last night thinking of all the scenarios and the way you dream and imagine the game's going to go, and then after two minutes they score.”
A quick response was required from the Easter Road side, who managed to overturn the deficit before half time through forward Martin Boyle and midfielder Jamie McGrath. Newell thought this showed character and that Hibs were good value for their lead at the break. He continued: "Not just the win, but the performance in the first half after that was outstanding.
“I thought we were by far the better team coming into half-time. In the lead, and deservedly so. On and off the ball, I thought we were very good. To concede after two minutes and to respond like that, it's full credit to the players. It shows some composure, some bravery. All those words definitely fit in.”
Newell ‘desperate’ for more Hampden success
The midfielder is entering his seventh year at Easter Road and admits he already has countless fond memories, however, securing some illusive silverware would put the cherry on the cake. He added: "Yeah, I’m desperate (to win a trophy). It would be amazing. It's all I've ever said. My Hibs career has been amazing and I'm so lucky and so grateful to have what I have had. A cup is what I've missed and it's the one thing I'd love more than anything. So we're in a position now where it can happen.”
While Hibs’ Hampden heroics may put their poor league form to one side for now, the former captain is hoping the result can act as a turning point for the season as a whole. The Hibees currently sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership table. Newell continued: “It'll be hard to not think about it (the final). Because that is a little bit down the road and there's important games coming up, because we need to get ourselves in gear in the league.
“These games are always huge, no matter where they are. It won't be irrelevant, obviously, because we're in a cup final, but we have to kick on now. You have to use it. And hopefully it gives all the boys confidence, which it should do, because there were some amazing performances out there."