Hibernian head coach Marink Reedijk believes his side's dramatic comeback victory over Hearts at Hampden Park proves they have the battling qualities needed to transform their season.
The Easter Road side trailed to an early Claudio Braga goal last Sunday before fighting back to win 2-1 and book their place in the Premier Sports Cup final.
Pride in second-half resilience
While Reedijk was delighted with the quality of his team's first-half performance, the Dutchman was equally satisfied with the determination they showed to fend off a Hearts comeback after the break.
Speaking after the match, Reedijk said: "What I'm more proud of and this sounds maybe strange is the second half. That we stuck together, that we can also do the dirty work and that we can survive in a match because it was not an easy one. One of the big improvement points is that we have a belief that we can change games."
He added: "If you see how we not only changed the game in terms of the result and the goals, but also by taking the play into our hands and making sure that we dominate the first half - that was brilliant to see. You need this hunger and desire to stay in the game, to bring the game home, to stick together and to fight for every inch."
Launchpad for league climb
Reedijk, who failed to win any of his opening four games in charge, hopes the semi-final success can act as a launchpad as Hibs bid to climb off the bottom of the Premiership.
The victory was Reedijk's first experience of an Edinburgh derby and a visit to Hampden Park, and he hopes the manner of the win will be a welcome boost for his players as they look to collect only their third league win of the season at Aberdeen on Saturday.
He added: "I think what we are doing now and what I'm very satisfied with is the fact that the guys get a reward for their hard work. It shows that it works if you keep on doing the things we ask in the first half, but also show character in the moments when it's needed."
"Those are the steps we need to make, and there will be ups and downs. We also need to be honest about that but it is the right direction again. Coming away from the results, the progress we're making is good to see."
