Jamie McGrath believes Hibernian can head into the Premier Sports Cup final with confidence after already defeating Derek McInnes's Rangers this season. The Easter Road side travel to Hampden on December 13th aiming to lift their first League Cup since 2007.
Repeat of Semi-Final Shock
Rangers will go into the final as favourites, but Marink Reedijk's men surprised Hearts in the semi-final, and McGrath thinks they can produce a repeat performance. The Leith club also beat Rangers 2-1 at Ibrox in the second game of the Premiership season under former boss David Gray.
"We've already beaten them this season," McGrath stated. "We know they're obviously a very good side with quality right throughout. We have to think the same as on Sunday, as we controlled large parts of the game."
Learning Under New Boss
The Irish international acknowledged his team were due their fans a performance after struggling following their exit from Europe. David Gray was sacked, and they sit bottom of the Premiership.
"We've obviously lost the previous gaffer as well, so it's not a nice spell for us," McGrath acknowledged. "I think we just keep grinding. Since the new gaffer came in, we've had a really intensive period. We're all working really tirelessly to put it right because we know where we're sitting in the league."
Sunday's win was also Reedijk's first as Hibs boss. McGrath said: "Yeah, buzzing with that. It's a special day for us. Into a cup final now, obviously beating your closest rivals and giving the fans something to cheer about. Probably long overdue because, like I said, our league form hasn't been great."
Defensive Resilience
McGrath highlighted the team's defensive display in the closing stages of the semi-final. "I think the boys at the back defended brilliantly for the last 20 minutes. I don't think we really looked like conceding which was great," he said.
He added that the team is gradually improving under the new manager. "I think we're slowly but surely getting there," he concluded.
