Boss Bobby was so impressed by Colin’s coolness
Former Hibs boss Bobby Williamson couldn’t believe Colin Murdock stayed calm to score a sudden death spot-kick to knock Rangers out of the League Cup.
For Williamson feared his centre- half ’s Easter Road career might have been finished if he’d failed in the 2004 semi- final thriller.
With the 13th kick of a dramatic shoot- out, in which a host of star names flopped, Murdock whipped his penalty past Stefan Klos.
Then Frank de Boer played the fall guy by hitting the post, leaving the likeable big lawyer a Hibernian hero for the night.
That was a huge boost for Murdock, who had toiled for fitness and form in the early months since signing from Preston.
As the clubs prepare to clash at Hampden with a final place at stake again, Williamson recalled: “The fans weren’t too keen on Colin early on. He had a few nightmares.
“When you play at the back and make a mistake, there’s a fair chance it leads to a goal.
“But he was a decent big player, left-sided, 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. Because if he’d missed then it could easily have been the end for his Easter Road career.
“I was chuffed for him getting that big moment. Colin was a gentleman. A qualified lawyer so fairly unique, as far as footballers go, intelligence wise!
“And a good type who I enjoyed working with. It
could’ve been a nail in his coffin if he’d missed it – and maybe mine as well!”
A Hibs side featuring future stars Gary Caldwell, Scott Brown, Ke v i n Thomson and Steven Whittaker had knocked out Celtic in the quarter-finals.
Their younger legs then helped on a staminasapping heavy pitch against Alex Mcleish’s Rangers.
Swedish keeper Daniel Andersson saved Mikel Arteta’s first- half penalty but Michael Mols put the favourites in front.
However, ex- Rangers kid St e p h e n D o b b i e equalised 11 minutes from the end to drag the tie to extra-time.
After doing the hard bit bundling the Old Firm out the tournament, Williamson’s lads lost to Livingston in the final.
“We pla y e d re a l l y well in the semi,” said Williamson. “What a group of players Rangers had – both De Boers, A r t e t a , Mo l s , Shota Arveladze.
“I had a lot of kids in my team. I like the look of this Hibs squad right now, I think Jack Ross has done a great job.
“Rangers have played indifferently quite a lot this season. Obviously there’s a bit of turmoil now with the manager situation, which isn’t ideal for a semi final, but they need a spark for their season.”