Ross is sorry for the fans, but still has Cup Final fever
Jack Ross was philosophical about the news no Hibs fans will be allowed at the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday.
The Leith club were to be allowed to take 300 to Hampden Park with opponents St Johnstone given the same allocation.
However, news of the latest Covid spike in Glasgow forced a rethink with the fixture moved back behind closed doors.
“There are lots of different answers I can give as a football manager and as a human being,” said Ross.
“From a football perspective, we probably got a little bit excited all of a sudden at the thought of having people in the stadium.
“One, to create an atmosphere and two, as a reward for the supporters, albeit it would have been a minority of them.
“That’s been pulled away again.
“It doesn’t really change much from our point of view.
“It’s just a shame people’s hopes and expectations rose and they’ve been taken away quite quickly.
“But, listen, there will still be an excitement because it is not often clubs get to these occasions.
“I’ve said to the players they have to enjoy the week and the build-up.
“From my own point of view I will make up my mind how we are going to play and take it from there.”
On a day when the Hibs boss rested the majority of his first-team starters, it was Darren McGregor who did most to stake a claim to play in the Final.
“His performance level has been brilliant and we’ve finished with three clean sheets,” said Ross.
“It was a little bit problematic in the latter part of the season as much as we had been playing well.
“He has trained every day which has helped the condition he’s in. His mental strength is up there as well.”
Ofir Marciano meanwhile thanked Hibs for their understanding in allowing him to help his wife after she was stopped from landing in Tel Aviv due to rocket attacks.
“There are things that are bigger than football and I experienced that this week.
“I want to say thank you to the manager and staff who supported me and helped me to stay focused and help my family in a tough time.
“They allowed me to be out of the squad and focus just on that but I am happy to get back, on short notice, to get back into the team today and keep a clean sheet against a really good side.
“They are home safe now and that is the most important thing.”