LENNY’S BACKING
NEIL LENNON last night backed raging Aberdeen fans who have complained about today’s early Scottish Cup semi-final kick-off time.
But the Hibs boss is ready to use their lack of numbers
to his advantage as the Easter Road outfit bid to retain the trophy.
Hibs fans have snapped up more than 21,000 tickets for today’s game, which kicks-off at 12.15.
Aberdeen have sold 11,000, with many supporters claiming the SFA and broadcasters have done them no favours with the early kick-off time when they are travelling from the north east.
More than 40,000 Dons travelled to Glasgow to watch their heroes lift the League Cup in 2014 but Lennon reckons accusations of a lack of loyalty are wrong.
He said: “A 12.15 kick-off is unfair on Aberdeen fans. It is just the location more than anything else. I don’t think it’s indifference to the match.
“But if there is any advantage to be gained we’ll take whatever we can get, on the pitch or off.
“We’re taking a healthy support and it feels good. It will be hard, intense and it will ask everything of the players. It’s a real test for them but they’re all looking forward to it.
“I know the stadium pretty well and the good thing is it will be fresh in the players’ minds as they played there three or four times last year.
“Hampden is like Marmite, you love it or hate it. I have some great memories and some disappointing ones.”
Lennon revealed he once made a move for one of his Celtic old boys, Niall McGinn, but Derek McInnes wouldn’t entertain his Northern Ireland international winger leaving Pittodrie.
He added: “Niall’s had a good time at Aberdeen. I enquired about him when I was at Bolton but Derek wouldn’t have any of it.
“He has done well for club and country. It didn’t work out for him at Celtic but he has gone on to carve out a good career.
“He’s one of Aberdeen’s better players and will be a real threat.”
Hibs bust their 112-year Cup hoodoo against Rangers last year but even as Championship winners Lennon reckons they won’t start at shorter odds to make the final than the Dons.
He added: “Aberdeen are favourites and their fans will expect to beat a Championship team.
“We know we are going into the game as underdogs, which is a novelty for us this year.
“We are here to retain the trophy and we will do what we can.”