Hibs’ John McGinn eyes second League Cup triumph

McGinn won the League Cup in 2013 with St Mirren. Picture: Jane Barlow

The Scotland under-21 international midfielder was full of confidence as he represented the Easter Road club at yesterday’s quarter-final draw which landed them a home tie against Dundee United.

McGinn, who was a League Cup winner three seasons ago with the St Mirren side which defeated Hearts 3-2 in the final, is buoyed by Hibs’ 2-0 defeat of Aberdeen in the third round.

The 20-year-old feels Alan Stubbs’ Championship outfit possess the necessary quality to lift the famous three-handled trophy this season. Only two clubs from outside the top tier – East Fife in 1947-48 and Raith Rovers in 1994-95 – have won the League Cup in its 70-year history.

“We are in the quarter-finals and so we have a good chance of winning it,” said McGinn. “I have won it before and I am sure that will help me. The boys in the dressing room have been joking that I could end up with a second one.

“We beat Celtic in the semi-final and then Hearts in the final to win it when I was at  St Mirren. You have to beat the best if you want to win tournaments.

“To be fair to our gaffer, he told us he had confidence that we would go through against Aberdeen. We have good players and it is up to us to believe in ourselves. All we wanted was another home draw and we’ve got it.

“The cups are a big thing for a club like Hibs. The fans have been starved of success and the players are determined to try to bring that success.”