Hibs midfielder John McGinn insists the agony of coming second best at Hampden in March can drive the team on to a historic Scottish Cup triumph.
The players and fans were left utterly dejected when Ross County emerged victorious in the League Cup final.
But McGinn and his team-mates have a chance to atone for that misery and write themselves into the club’s folklore by defeating Rangers next Saturday and ending Hibs’ tortuous 114-year wait for Scottish Cup glory.
The Scotland playmaker McGinn, who was part of the St Mirren side that won the League Cup with victory over Hearts in 2013, said: “The League Cup defeat could work positively for us because we know what it feels like to be on the losing side.
“It’s something we’re eager not to repeat. You don’t want to be going to a final and picking up the silver medal – you don’t want to be walking up first.
“You want to be the last up to lift the trophy and remember something for the rest of your life.
“We need to handle the occasion better, start brighter and hopefully play to our strengths.
“On a whole my Hampden experiences been positive.
“I’ve only lost once albeit it was a crushing one. It was a really disappointing day but when I look back I’ve got fond memories, whether it’s a semi-final or a final, or playing for your country at the national stadium.”
Both teams go into the game knowing the victors will also earn a place in next season’s Europa League and McGinn admits that is another huge incentive.
He added: “The opportunity is hanging there for us if we want to go and grab it.
“We know what’s at stake and it’s just an added bonus of you lifting the trophy, that you’re representing the club and your country in Europe. But it’s the same for both clubs.”
McGinn is approaching the 60-game milestone for club and country this season but he is delighted his campaign has just been extended after being named in Scotland boss Gordon
Strachan’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Italy and France.
He added: “Last year if you asked me if I would play 60 games I would have laughed at you. It’s mad how it goes sometimes.
“One minute you are worried about not having a club and wondering where you’ll go next and then you’re called up for the national squad.
“It’s amazing for me. It’s been a brilliant season and that’s something I’m looking to build on.
“It’s been a shock to the system but it’s something I wouldn’t change for the world and if it’s the same next season, I’ll be more than happy to do it.”
