It’s tough Col but Murdock was spot on
Bobby Williamson was a bundle of nerves for Colin Murdock as he stepped up to take a sudden death spot-kick for Hibs.
But as high- prof i le names lost their heads in the Hampden pressure, the lanky lawyer lashed it past Stefan Klos.
That was the penalty that put Wi l l iamson’s men into the 2004 League Cup Final at the expense of Rangers.
Dutch shoot-out sinner Frank de Boer failed next and Alex McLeish’s side crashed out.
As the clubs prepare to clash again in the last four, Williamson admits he feared for centre- hal f Murdock before h is moment of glory.
Shota A r v e ladz e , Michael Ba l l , Ga r y O’Connor and Stephen Dobbie were among the flops from the spot.
But much- mal igned Murdock, who struggled for fitness and form early on in his Hibs stay, made it count when it mat tered with a successful 13th kick of the drama.
Williamson said: “The fans weren’t too keen on Colin. He had a few nightmares.
“When you play at the back and you make a mistake, there’s a fair chance it leads to a goal.
“But he was a decent big player, lef tsided, cultured and a good organiser. He gave us a bit of experience at the back that night.
“He more than played his part, doing really well even before scoring his penalty.
“Colin showed great composure when I was really nervous for him. If he’d missed then it could easily have been the end for his Easter Road career.
“It could’ve been a nail in his coffin if he’d missed – maybe mine as well!
“I was chuffed for him. Colin was a gentleman. A qualified lawyer so fairly unique, as far as players go, intelligence wise!”
Gers had a 1- 0 lead from a Michael Mols strike but a missed penalty by Mikel Arteta in normal time proved costly for McLeish.
Subst itute Dobbie combined with Derek Riordan to equalise only three minutes after his late introduction.
Williamson said: “Look at the Rangers team that day. What a group they had – the de Boers, Arteta, Arveladze, Mols.
“I had a team full of kids but their younger legs helped on a heavy pitch.”
After beating Celtic in the quarters, Hibs were favourites for the final – but Livingston beat the young Hibees 2- 0.
Jack Ross is looking for his Hibs team to overcome their own recent wobbles.
But Williamson likes the look of the current crop and said: “I think Jack has done a great job and built a really good squad.
“Rangers have been indifferent quite a lot this season. And the new manager is just in, which i sn’t ideal preparation for a semi.”