Hibs warned it will take more than a victory over Rangers to get fans back onside - but it would help

Jack Ross has railed against the idea of his side becoming known as nearly men but after Hibs slipped up at the semi-final stage of a national cup competition for the third time in a row, he said things will have to change.

Hibs manager Jack Ross was not happy with the character shown by his players as they lost out to St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup semi-final. Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group

“We don’t want to be perennial semi-final losers,” said the man who was at the helm as the two most recent cup runs floundered.

“I have said I am disappointed by the way some players reacted [to going behind against St Johnstone] and I will reflect on that in the cold light of day. But you can’t continually get to this stage and fall short.”

But while he admitted the performance raised questions about the big-game mentality of some players, he said there is no time for anyone at the club to feel sorry for themselves, an opinion echoed by Scott Allan.

The 29-year-old, who returned from a five-month absence necessitated by a private health matter, said it was it is important that he and his team-mates now offer the right response, but acknowledged it would take more than a bold display against Rangers at Easter Road on Wednesday to win over disgruntled fans.

“It’s a chance to go and get a result but we’re not going to make the fans happy by winning a league game after losing two semi-finals in the one season. It’s very disappointing from a club perspective.

“We need to show a bit of character now, big time. It doesn’t get any easier, Rangers are in really good form as everyone knows. So, we’re going to need to put our bodies on the line on Wednesday night.”

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