Ross fully focused ahead of derby day at national stadium
JACK ROSS insists Hibernian are heading for their Hampden showdown with Hearts in ‘ the best possible frame of mind’.
The Easter Road outfit racked up a seventh league victory of the season with their narrow 1- 0 success against Kilmarnock on Saturday to move back into third in the Premiership table.
They have only tasted defeated twice this season – against Aberdeen and Celtic – and have won five of their last six outings.
Three successive clean sheets will also feed into the capital side’s confidence going into the eagerly- anticipated Scottish Cup semi- final against their bitter city rivals.
Ross said: “To hit 24 points after 12 games you have to be good – and the players have been, so far.
“It’s a happy dressing room but it’s an excited dressing room, because we’ve known this game was on the horizon, but we’ve had important league games to take care of.
“But now, every bit of our focus and attention and work, whether it’s rest and recovery or training, is geared up to Saturday.
“I’ve got an excited group. I’m excited, the staff are excited and the players are, because we know it’s an opportunity to get to the final.
“And we know what’s at stake in terms of the game itself.
“But I’ve got a group who are in the best possible frame of mind and that’s brilliant for me as a manager.”
In a welcome boost for Hibs supporters, Ross has backed stalwart Lewis Stevenson to make the trip to Hampden ‘ if there’s any possibility’.
The defender had to be replaced at half- time against Kilmarnock because of an ankle injury and left Rugby Park in a protective boot as a precaution.
Ross added: “Lewis is an absolute dream to work with – his professionalism, how he is as a person, his willingness to do what you ask him to do for Hibs is brilliant.
“It’s unfortunate, in terms of the injury he picked up, but if there is any possibility of him being fit he will be because that’s the type of character he is.
“He’s been an outstanding player for Hibs and he continues to be an outstanding player.”
Ross is also hopeful that wide men Jamie Murphy and Drey Wright will also shake of injury to make themselves available for the semi- final.
Meanwhile, Michael Smith insists Hearts have blocked the ‘ massive’ Scottish Cup semi- final from their thoughts – until now.
The Jambos have enjoyed a perfect start to their season, winning all three Betfred Cup ties and their opening two Championship fixtures.
After an opening- day
6- 2 hammering of Dundee in the league, the Tynecastle side were made to work harder for victory over part- time Arbroath at Gayfield on Friday night.
And, following the relief of that 1- 0 success, Smith admits Robbie Neilson’s side are now relishing turning their focus to this weekend’s mouthwatering Edinburgh derby at Hampden.
The Northern Ireland internationalist said: “Friday’s win keeps momentum going into this game. We hadn’t even talked about it or thought about it before now but now our attentions can turn to that.
“It’s a massive game for the fans, it’s just a pity the stadium won’t be packed.”