Complacency 'biggest threat to Hibs Ladies'

JOELLE MURRAY admits Hibs Ladies need to guard against complacency when they head into the Scottish Cup final tomorrow as clear favourites against Rangers.

The Capital side would be worthy winners at Alloa's Recreation Park (3.15pm kick-off), having beaten three of the country's top teams - Spartans, Celtic and Glasgow City - to reach the final.

But midfielder and Scotland international Murray says they can't afford to think it's just going to be a case of turning up to be presented with the trophy.

In contrast to their opponents, Rangers are still cutting their teeth at the top of the Scottish women's game. But, while Hibs won 6-2 in the first meeting between the sides this season, they had to work a lot harder for a more recent 1-0 success.

"It's great that we have beaten sides like Spartans, Celtic and Glasgow along the way," said Murray. "But, at the same time, we can't take Rangers lightly.

"We only just beat them the last time we played and we know they are a good team."

Hibs have been regulars at this stage of the competition and players like Murray, who came through the ranks at the club, have played in their fair share of finals over the years.

But, having had to undergo a bit of rebuilding over the past couple of seasons, this appearance is one the players are certainly savouring.

"There was a time when Hibs could go through a whole season without dropping any points," said Murray.

"However, we've lost a lot of players in recent seasons. That's meant we've had to do a bit of rebuilding by bringing in younger players. I think we probably appreciate having reached the final this season more than in the past."

This is Willie Kirk's first season in charge of the team and he says a win tomorrow would be a just reward for the hard work his players have put in.

"After beating three of the toughest teams in the league it's hard to believe we've not actually won the Cup yet," said Kirk.

"However, that's the big danger for us tomorrow, when I believe the only team that can beat us is ourselves. We can't afford to be complacent.

"We've worked really hard to give ourselves this chance. We've often been training four times a week. We're playing at a level where it's an amateur sport that is run professionally.

"We couldn't have had it any harder en route to the final."

"We're playing at a level where it's an amateur sport that is run professionally"

wILLIE KIRK