McGregor relishing semifinal showdown with Dons

Hibernian defender Darren McGregor admits clinching promotion has been a major pressure release – but he remains anxious to build on their success with more cup glory.

Holders Hibs warmed up for today’s semi-final against Aberdeen by sealing the Ladbrokes Championship title with victory over Queen of the South.

McGregor feels facing Premiership teams suits Hibs better and they will relish the chance to play unburdened by the favourites tag at Hampden.

The former Cowdenbeath, St Mirren and Rangers centre-back, who scored twice against Queens, said: “Going into the start of the season, the mandate was to win the league and that’s been achieved, so it does really feel like there is a release of pressure.

“For me this is a great opportunity to showcase our skills again. We have done well in big games in the past couple of years and we are hoping to continue that.

“It’s maybe just a change to the norm. We have been in this league three years now, and no disrespect to any other team in the league, but when you go to Dumbarton, Raith Rovers, Ayr, these teams, they tend to sit in, fluster you, and stick to their principles of defending.

“You can’t knock them but the bigger games, teams will come out and have a go and I think we fare better when we’re playing against opposition that are willing to go and attack, because we have good footballers in the team.”

Hibs have won eight times against topflight opposition in their three seasons in the Championship, with Aberdeen among their victims.

McGregor said: “Over the past two years we have played five or six Premiership teams and beaten almost all of them, apart from Ross County, and that was just unfortunate the way that ended.

“Although they are on a great run of form and they are the favourites, we go in as underdogs and we seem to thrive on that tag.”