Ryan McGivern aims to live Cup dream at Hibs

The on-loan defender looked on at Wembley as Yaya Touré ended Manchester City’s wait of 35 years for a trophy as his goal against Stoke City saw Roberto Mancini’s side lift the FA Cup in 2011, the wild celebrations it provoked only strengthening his determination to be part of such an occasion himself.

Now the Northern Ireland star stands just 90 minutes away from such an opportunity, provided, of course, Pat Fenlon’s team can dispose of First Division Falkirk in Saturday’s semi-final at Hampden.

It is a chance the 23-year-old is determined to grab with both hands, adamant the trauma of last season’s final will only serve to drive the Easter Road club on. He said: “I watched last year’s Scottish Cup final back home and I know the bitter disappointment it brought.

“However, I also felt Hibs had as good a chance as anyone to get back to that final stage and perhaps go one better. Now we have one more hurdle to cross.

“Many players go through their entire careers without getting the chance to play in a cup final, now we have the opportunity to be in it for the second time in two years.

“The boys who played last year still have that disappointment and anger in them to get through Saturday and hopefully set up the chance to put that right. I remember thinking to myself when I watched City lift the FA Cup I’d love to be involved in such an occasion and now, on Saturday, I have that opportunity and, hopefully, an even bigger one at the end of next month.”