SCOTTISH CUP
Lenny’s proud of wounded warriors
NEIL LENNON insists Hibs’ quest for a league and cup Double is all the more impressive given their injury woes this season.
The Championship leaders return to league action in Friday’s televised clash with Dundee United after booking a Scottish Cup semi-final place with a 3-1 win over Ayr on Saturday.
And Lennon insists his team deserve credit for fighting on two fronts during an injury plague.
Keeper Ofir Marciano has endured two lay-offs while key midfielders John McGinn, Fraser Fyvie and Dylan McGeouch were all in the treatment room before the turn of the year.
Stoppers Paul Hanlon, Jordon Forster and Liam Fontaine have also spent time on the sidelines.
So the former Celtic boss has been impressed by the way his squad have coped with a heavy schedule.
He said: “We’re in a great position. We’ve done it without our keeper for large parts, with three midfielders being out at one time and three defenders out at another time.
“They can be proud of what they’ve done but we’ve still got a bit of work to do.” GRAEME SHINNIE admits sibling rivalry and Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup semi-final with Hibs is going to split the family home in half. The Dons midfielder didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when Sunday’s draw paired him against brother Andrew for next month’s Hampden clash. Parents Linda and Gary will now have to take sides as their sons go head to head and Graeme insists their only consolation is one member of the Shinnie clan will take to the hallowed turf again in Mount Florida in May. He said: “It will be a good occasion for the whole family. I suppose my mum and dad can’t lose because they will have someone in the Final either way. “I’ve only spoken briefly to my brother since the draw was made. “Our parents will have to stay neutral and sit in the main stand – or maybe mum will support me and dad support him. “It’s a nice problem for them to have. The only time we have played against each other before was in a friendly when Inverness faced Birmingham. “Apart from that we have always played on the same team.” Shinnie’s strike against Partick on Sunday sealed a last-four spot as Aberdeen edged closer to ending their 27-year wait for Scottish Cup success. Now he will face a brother who tried to convince him to play in goals when they honed their talents as kids on public parks. Graeme said: “The semi will be one to look back on – although who remembers it best will depend on who wins. “Playing against each other will be a novelty