THE GOOD OLD HAYES
Jake insists Hibs can take inspiration from his old club Saints as they prepare to face Gers in Cup tie
Jake Doyle-Hayes is aiming to complete a new contract and cup double with a League Cup success over Rangers at Hampden.
The 22-year-old Irishman penned an extension prior to a semi-final clash this afternoon that wi l l exorcise the nightmare of being suspended at the same stage last season.
After admitting his surprise at being asked to put pen to paper and prolong his stay at Easter Road to 2025, the former St Mirren playmaker is out to banish the memory of being banned for the defeat by Livingston last December.
He said: “It was tough. It was my first time at Hampden and it’s an unbelievable stadium. I wish I could have played in that game.
“There were no fans but there was such excitement around the whole club building up to the game.
“It was a real disappointment the lads lost 1- 0. Listen, I learned from that experience, I probably shouldn’t have picked up so many yellows. But I am back this season with Hibs so I’m delighted.”
A happier memory for Doyle-Hayes was being part of the Saints side that defeated Rangers in the quarter-finals of the League Cup last term and he urged his Hibs side to show the same courage that earned a dramatic 3-2 win for the Paisley club.
He said: “We played with no fear. I think we tried to stamp our authority on the game.
“We just need to have no fear, go out and express ourselves and play the way we know that we can play.
“It was a game of mixed emotions. We were winning, then Rangers equalised in the last couple of minutes and you think it is going to extra time.
“You just knew that would be tough but we managed to get things together and score the winner.
“It was an unbelievable feeling to knock Rangers out of the cup.”
The most recent encounter between the two clubs was a controversial clash at Ibrox that saw Ryan Porteous sent off with the Edinburgh club leading by a goal only to be edged out in the end 2-1.
Doyle-Hayes believes it was proof of their abilities to match the Light Blues and he admits the Hampden trip is an opportunity to make amends for a recent run that has seen them lose their last four games.
He said: “The game we played at Ibrox, until we had a man sent off, it was a pretty even game.
“We started well in that game so everyone was disappointed with defeat afterwards in the changing room. We had a few games after that which didn’t go our way either.
“We’re all just happy to be back playing and having a big game coming up to try and right those wrongs.
“The players want to put things right after what’s gone on for the last month or so.
“It’s been a tough spell but we have worked hard and need to bounce back by giving it a real go against Rangers.”
An outbreak of Covid-19 at the capital club’s training ground has also thrown a spanner in the works and the midfielder is adamant Hibs need to refocus on what he hopes will be a silver lining which lies ahead.
He said: “It’s something we’ve just had to deal with.
“We’ve been on the training ground over the last couple of weeks and it’s been going well. Everyone is focused on what we have to do.
“Rangers have had a bit of change as well so I think both teams will go into the tie the same way as they go into every game.
“There will be no difference, we will concentrate on ourselves and we know what we have to do.
“Training has been really good so we are really looking forward to it.
“We have to set expectations for ourselves, for the club and as players. We believe that we’ve got the squad to push to get into finals and into that top three or even top two.
“So you have to set your goals and I personally think as a club we should be up there. The lads know, as a team, they are capable of getting to that final.
“And if we do we feel positive we can take that extra step. Hopefully this year is the year.”
Doyle- Hayes has impressed enough during his 15 outings with Hibs since arriving in June to earn a new deal and he admits it came completely out of the blue.
He said: “It was a surprise for me but when a club of this size wants you to put pen to paper then it’s an easy decision.
“There weren’t many discussions, the manager spoke to me and I was delighted.
“It’s a great honour for me and for my family as well to put pen to paper.
“I wasn’t expecting it but I was always hoping to sign for longer.
“When the club came calling, and showed they had some faith in me, it was great – and I appreciate everything the club are doing for me.”