Monday, December 23, 2024
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Hibs wanted to give Celtic ‘bloody nose’ in Scottish Cup but will need more quality in clash with Rangers

LEWIS STEVENSON admits Hibernian will have to improve their quality in attack for Friday’s visit of Rangers.

The Easter Road stalwart was left bitterly disappointed by their timid exit from the Scottish Cup at the hands of champions Celtic and former manager Neil Lennon on Saturday evening.

The 31-year-old insists the capital outfit were desperate to give the Hoops ‘a bloody nose’ but, in reality, they barely landed a blow in the 2-0 loss.

(Pic: Eric McCowat)

New head coach Paul Heckingbottom has urged his players to now focus on continuing their impressive league form, which has seen them move into sixth in the table after three straight wins.

But Stevenson has confessed they will have to be much better in possession against Rangers than they were against Celtic.

The left-back said: “Without the ball against Celtic we defended well in spells but I don’t know if we kind of focused too much on that, because when we had the ball we struggled a bit.

“When we did win the ball I think we wanted to go up the park too quickly. The times we did get a bit of joy it was after four or five passes and then it opened up for us.

ROLL OVER

“When you do get up the park you need to take those chances. We did lack quality and it’s something we need to work on.

“The first three games [under Heckingbottom] were good, with three wins. We wanted to give Celtic a bloody nose and it didn’t quite work.

“Especially at home, we think we can compete, we don’t want to just roll over when the Old Firm come.

“So, definitely, quality is what we’re going to be working on for the game on Friday.”

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