Hibernian want to win cup for Ross and Potter

Hibs captain Paul Hanlon believes his squad will be driven by a desire to win Sunday’s League Cup final for axed management duo Jack Ross and John Potter.

The Easter Road side will go into the Hampden showdown with Celtic under the interim coaching staff of David Gray, Eddie May and Craig Samson, with Shaun Maloney understood to be waiting in the wings to take over on a permanent basis.

However, captain Hanlon explained that boss Ross and his assistant Potter, who guided them to the final before being sacked last Thursday, will not be far from the players’ thoughts in the lead-up to the match.

He said: “It was a low training ground when the news came out. Everyone was disappointed and hurt, and probably feeling a bit guilty because we felt like we should have done a lot more for the manager.

“As professionals we need to move on and do our job as best as we possibly can and try and win on Sunday for the fans, the club, for Dave, Eddie and Sammy (Samson), who are taking us now, and also for the gaffer and Potts, who did a great job to get us there.

“They got us there and they’ve done a great job with us over the two years, so we owe them it. There’s also going to be a new manager to impress so there’s plenty motivation for Sunday, that’s for sure.”

After a week of speculation surrounding Ross’ successor, Hanlon is glad the Hibs squad now know for certain that Gray, May and Samson – who have taken four points from their two games in charge – will definitely be in charge for the final.

He said: “I think it was important to get that clarity. Everyone knows where we stand now. We know what’s ahead of us. I’m sure not long after that, a permanent manager will be in place but with it being such a big game, it’s good to have that clarity so we can focus on what we need to do.”

In his first season as permanent club captain, Hanlon is relishing the prospect of leading Hibs out for what will be the sixth cup final of his career.

He said: “It’s another chance to win silverware. I want to be a successful Hibs captain and lift trophies.”