Battling effort gives Stevenson hope for future
Lewis Stevenson is adamant Hibs can use their Scottish Cup disappointment as a springboard for next season.
Although losing the Edinburgh derby semi-final to Hearts compounded the fans’ gloom at their team finishing in the bottom six of the Premiership, Stevenson was encouraged by his team-mates’ Hampden performance.
He said: “Before the game we were asked to leave nothing out there and have no regrets.
“I felt we gave everything. Maybe moments of quality from them changed the game.
“The two finishes from them were amazing. The save from Craig Gordon was unbelievable.
“I didn’t think there was much in the game at all. We competed as well as we have for weeks.
“Even with 10 men we still created chances, we still caused them problems.
“It’s frustrating, but it’s a different kind of frustration from last weekend’s defeat at Tynecastle.
“The second half in that game was disgraceful at times.
“And, to be fair, I think this weekend Hearts know they have been in a game.
“You don’t want the season petering out.
“We have a fight on our hands and we want to finish as high as we can in the league.
“If we show the effort and determination we showed at Hampden, with a bit more quality at times, it should stand us in good stead for next season.”
The 34-year-old was sure Hibs had levelled the game just before Craig Gordon stretched out an arm to stop a netbound header from Ryan Porteous.
He went on: “I was celebrating on the halfway line. For me it was in all the way and then I was devastated.
“It was an unbelievable save from Craig but he has been unreal this year.”
Although the Hibs supporters will be far from pleased by the way the season has unfolded, Stevenson reckons they appreciated home much effort the players produced against Hearts.
“I have played at Hampden a few times and against Hearts a few more,” he said.
“And to be beaten by your main rivals at Hampden and still be clapped off the pitch, I think that showed how much we put in. We just fell short again.
“It wasn’t for the want of trying or effort.
“The gaffer asked us to play on the edge and in most 50/50s we came out on top.
“I haven’t seen it – Joe Newell’s sending-off – again, but these things happen. Small margins change the game.
“I think Joe has to go for the ball.”