GLASGOW (AFP) – Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs says only teamwork will help his side clinch the Scottish League Cup when they take on Ross County in Sunday’s final at Hampden.
The Easter Road side, who are third in Scotland’s second tier, are looking to enjoy their first cup success since 2007 while their Highland opponents are hoping to win their first major trophy since they joined the Scottish Football League in 1994.
“There is always an individual who will come out of a cup final a hero and go down in history,” the Hibs boss said.
“But from my point of view the most important thing is that we have 11 or 14 players, if it takes 14, that will be on top of their game and if we do then we have a good chance of getting a result.
“If we don’t, we know it could end in disappointment.”
Hibs, whose hopes of automatic promotion have been dealt a blow in recent weeks following three successive league defeats, will take around 30,000 fans to the final.
Stubbs says such a large support should spur his players on but urged them to remain calm in their quest for a fourth League Cup title.
“Having good players is a good thing but controlling your emotions is a big thing on the day,” the Hibernian manager said.
“We will obviously have a substantial support, which is fantastic, but you can’t get wrapped up in the occasion.
“It is easy to walk out and it suddenly hits you and it feels like someone has got a tube attached to your body and they are sucking the life out of you and you become flat and your legs feel like you can’t keep running.
“It is about trying to keep them as relaxed as possible. I think the fans can only help.”
Stubbs won the League Cup twice as a player with Celtic and says he would love to see his players emulate that success on Sunday.
“For me the most pleasing thing would be to see the players holding the trophy aloft,” the Hibs manager said.
“There would be nothing more satisfying than seeing the players up there and enjoying the moment that I was very lucky to have done myself. It’s a fantastic feeling.”
For County it is only a second appearance in a national final after their losing appearance in the 2010 Scottish Cup final.
And manager Jim McIntyre has urged his players not to lose their focus on the big stage.
“The character that’s been shown this season in numerous games has been fantastic from the players,” McIntyre said.
“It’s important on Sunday we just concentrate on trying to beat a good Hibs side and don’t worry about the occasion.”I think that’s massive when you get to cup finals that you don’t let the hype that surrounds these occasions get into your mindset. You just have to concentrate on your opponent and make sure you win your individual battles.”
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