Hibernian

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Martin Boyle is determined to capitalise on his latest shot at League Cup glory with Hibs after twice suffering final heartache.

The winger was a late substitute in Hibs' 2-1 defeat by Ross County in the 2016 showpiece and featured in the 2-1 loss to Celtic five-and-a-half years later.

Boyle, 33, helped fire the Premiership bottom club into next month's final against Rangers, scoring the equaliser against Hearts on Hampden on Sunday before Jamie McGrath's strike completed the comeback.

"We've lost a League Cup (final) a few times, Celtic's the recent one," Boyle said.

"The highs and lows of that game, obviously scoring and we thought we could maybe see it out and we concede about 20 seconds later.

"There's a lot of emotion in games, there's a lot of rollercoasters at this club, but I think people appreciate the moments like this (Hearts win), certainly that we can look back on and say that was an outstanding day.

"So really looking forward to the final. It will be another great occasion.

"Hopefully we can go one step further than we did a few years ago when we played against Celtic.

"We need to get back to winning league games first and foremost and when the cup final comes around we can certainly enjoy it."

Assessing underdogs Hibs' first win over Hearts at Hampden at the fifth attempt - and Marink Reedijk's first win as Hibs boss, also at the fifth time of asking - Boyle said: "Football's funny. They're obviously doing really well (Hearts), they're in Europe, doing really well.

"We're bottom of the league and can't get a run of performances together.

"We showed up at Hampden and maybe no one expected us to win. All the pressure was on them and we could go out and enjoy ourselves and I feel like we did.

"We got the result so we know what we're capable of, we all stick together.

"We know we're going through a sticky patch at the moment. It is a big transition at the club and there's no doubt in our minds that if we stick together we can come out the good end and push up the league."

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Hibs and Rangers will receive a 50/50 split of tickets for next month's League Cup final at Hampden.

The showpiece has been confirmed as a 15:00 GMT kick-off on Sunday 13 December, live on Premier Sports.

Rangers fans will be housed in the South, West and North Stands, with Hibs occupying the South, East and North Stands.

The majority of adult tickets will be priced at £42, with adult tickets in the North and South Stands costing £49.

Concession tickets are priced at £27 and £30.

Hibs beat Edinburgh rivals Hearts 2-1 at Hampden on Sunday to reach the final, with Rangers seeing off Aberdeen 1-0 the previous day.

The clubs' only previous League Cup final meeting resulted in a 2-1 Rangers win in October 1993 at Celtic Park.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

"I want music, I want beer" were the words Marink Reedijk said to his victorious Hibs team in the Hampden dressing room on Sunday, sparking celebrations from the players and staff.

The footage, shared by Hibs' media team, showed a dressing room hanging on his words and looking completely behind a manager who has been under fire from the media recently.

It was an unbelievable afternoon in Glasgow. We travelled through more in hope than expectation with a number of players out injured or, in Martin Boyle's case, just returning from illness. Reedijk had some selection headaches for the game.

The early Hearts goal was a setback and there were more than a few Hibs fans in the stadium thinking "not again".

Reedijk's team finally clicked though - those incremental improvements we've seen game to game eventually added up to a complete performance.

Hibs were outstanding, completely bossing the first half and when the inevitable push for an equaliser came from Hearts, the team stood up to everything thrown at them.

The scenes at full-time were tremendous, Sunshine on Leith is an incredible football anthem, and the Jambos couldn't get out the stadium quickly enough to escape hearing it as they saw another year added to the 64 that it's been since they last won the League Cup.

Hibs need to use this victory as a springboard for the rest of the season and take those performance levels into the Aberdeen game at the weekend.

If we do, we'll quickly climb the table - a Hibs side in that form will be a match for any team in the league.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

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Edinburgh derby match-winner Jamie McGrath hopes Hibernian's Hampden cup heroics can turn around their alarming league campaign.

The Leith side went into the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against rivals Hearts bottom of the Scottish Premiership, with Marink Reedijk looking for his first win as boss.

And the Dutchman's side achieved that in spectacular fashion when goals from Martin Boyle and McGrath cancelled out Claudio Braga's opener.

"We haven't given the fans too much to shout about so far this season," McGrath said. "So I think they would have bitten your hand off for a win at Hampden against Hearts.

"It's obviously a great feeling, into a cup final now, so something to look forward to. Hopefully now this is the start of us getting a turn on things and building on that.

"We have to get our league form back on track because that hasn't been good enough."

Meanwhile, experienced Hibs midfielder Joe Newell said the emotional post-match scenes, during which the jubilant fans belted out club anthem Sunshine on Leith, were something that would live with him forever.

"I'm probably getting emotional now, but it's just seeing that at Hampden, it's just incredible," Newell said.

"We've been through a lot this season, obviously, already, the fans. So to give them that, it's unbelievable. You can't actually put it into words.

"It's such a special feeling inside. A lot of the boys have probably seen it for the first time.

"And if they didn't know now how special the club is, they will do."

We asked for your views after Hibernian secured their first-ever Edinburgh derby win at Hampden to book their place in next month's Premier Sports Cup final.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Bill: Great performance from Hibs, with no weak links. Martin Boyle was immense. Hopefully, we can see this repeated in the league. On the downside, does this mean no new signings? Praise to the new manager for finally getting the players behind him.

Nathan: The best Hibs display I've seen in a long time. They looked like a cohesive unit who were playing for each other and the folk in the stands. Despite all of Hearts' attacking power, it never looked like they were going to touch us. If Marink Reedijk can get similar performances out of the team going forward, we'll be just fine.

Kev: The best 45 minutes of football Hibs have played in years in the first half. Then defended well in the second half, with chances to score more. Well done, Hibs.

Innes: Where on earth did that come from, Hibs? An organised backline, apart from that first corner, and an attack that looked good. If we play like this in the league, we can surely expect a top-half finish.

Mike: What a domination of Hearts! I haven't seen a Hibs performance like that in a long time. Felix Passlack had one of the pundits' most highly praised players (Josh McPake) in his pocket all game. A 2-1 scoreline that could have been, and most probably should have been, four or five.

David: The players have set the standard, and they now need to match it week in, week out. We dominated the first half with some brilliant play and had steel and grit about us in the second half.

Resilient Hibernian came from behind to beat depleted Hearts for the first time at Hampden - and earn manager Marink Reedijk a maiden win - to set up a Scottish League Cup final with Rangers next month.

Read the full match report here

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Hibs boss Marink Reedijk: "The atmosphere was amazing, Hampden was amazing, the fans were amazing and I think we were amazing in the first half. If you look at how we dominated the game and how we dominated Hearts. They scored so early but then you saw how we started to dominate the game, it was great to see.

"Also, what I'm proud of, is that these guys stick together in the difficult moments. We hung in the match, we kept on fighting and I think we probably could have scored one or two more. The combination of the two, the good football and the fighting mentality at the end, that makes me proud.

"If Martin Boyle is fit and hungry, especially in these kinds of matches, he can do something special and you saw it today. His characteristics are, in the moments when things are exciting, he steps up and makes a difference. There was no doubt in my mind to put him on the pitch.

"We made another step in the fighting spirit and bringing the game home, that's another good thing.

"We need to continue with this performance and if you have these performances you are a team who can compete with anyone and dominate teams and then the results will come."

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Do not to expect "the highest-quality encounter" at Hampden Park, but with two new managers at the helm who are known for a more attacking style, could we be in for a cracker on Sunday?

So pondered The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

Hearts' Wouter Vrancken and counterpart Marink Reedijk will both make their first appearance at Hampden for Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final.

Vrancken will be looking to maintain his perfect Edinburgh derby record following a 3-1 victory at Easter Road earlier in the season.

Despite Hearts' recent injury issues, McGowan believes Hearts have plenty to be positive about against their city rivals at Hampden.

"It's a really tough time for them injury wise and yet they are somehow managing to defy that," he said.

"I think they'll be pretty happy with where they are just now and I think they'll fancy their chances going to Hampden.

"I think they would usually fancy their chances against Hibs anyway, but they seem to be in quite a good place just now.

"If you look at the likes of Josh McPake and so on, there's a lot to be positive about for Hearts."

Reedijk is still searching for that elusive first win as Hibs boss and Scott Allan views this as a "huge opportunity" for Reedijk to win the fans round.

"Hibs will be looking at it as a huge opportunity to maybe start building some momentum," the former Hibs midfielder added.

"But they do come up against Hearts, who, for me, in that final third, look a lot more devastating than what Hibs are and they've definitely showed that this season."

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Hearts are optimistic that Rogers Mato will shrug off the muscle issue that forced the versatile winger off in midweek, while centre-half Stuart Findlay returned to training on Friday after a groin injury.

Harry Milne, Christian Borchgrevink, Oisin McEntee, Ageu, Craig Halkett, Blair Spittal and Tom Renaud remain out.

Hibs forward Martin Boyle returns after illness and midfielder Callum Wright could be fit for a place on the bench.

However, Nathan Lowe, Jacob Devaney, Kanayo Megwa, Rocky Bushiri and Jordan Obita are still out.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibernian striker Owen Elding insists his side will approach Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hearts with "no fear" as they look to book a place in December's final.

Hibs head to Hampden still searching for their first victory under new head coach Marink Reedijk, but Elding believes his side have the quality to overcome their Edinburgh rivals.

Hearts go into the tie third in the league after a positive start to the season, but the forward is confident Hibs can rise to the occasion.

"They're a good side - but I definitely think we've got nothing to fear," Elding said.

"We know we're a good side. We've got all the quality that's needed to win the game. So we're just looking to go to Hampden and give a good account of ourselves."

Elding believes the squad are beginning to adapt to Reedijk's demands, with the Dutchman keen for his team to play on the front foot, press aggressively and win possession high up the pitch.

The forward says that approach should ultimately create opportunities for Hibs, provided they remain patient and work together.

"I think everyone's adapting now pretty quickly," the Irishman added.

"In terms of me, obviously on the front foot, pressing, aggressive and winning the ball back high up the pitch.

"Ultimately that means chances are going to come. So if we just keep sticking together, doing the right things, then I think it will click for us."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Marink Reedijk has been speaking to the media before Hibs take on capital rivals Hearts in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday (15:00 GMT).

Here are the key points:

• Martin Boyle has recovered from illness and is available for selection. Miguel Chaiwa is also fine to play despite hobbling off with an injury in Wednesday's draw at St Mirren.

• Reedijk says this is a "special match" everyone at the club is looking forward to and are desperate to win.

• But he insists winning or losing the semi-final will not distract his focus from long-term success: "The result is very important. It's an opportunity. But at the same time, if you look from a longer-term perspective, we need to continue what we're working on."

• He doesn't expect Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken to change too much from his style of play but says "you never know" once the game starts.

• Reedijk says he didn't need to ask anyone about these games as there are plenty of people within the club, including assistant Guillaume Beuzelin, who have told him what to expect.

• Reedijk has a "special connection" with Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus after their unbeaten Belgian second-tier title win last season, but will put sentiment aside on Sunday.

• He adds: "It's something where we will always be linked, not only him and me, but also with the whole team for the rest of our lives because of the performance of last year. However, since Wednesday evening, I don't feel this at the moment. It will be after Sunday night that this feeling comes back again, because I want to win the match."

Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan analyses the Easter Road side's 1-1 draw at St Mirren and pinpoints an area where improvement is required.

We asked for your thoughts on the 1-1 draw at St Mirren that kept new Hibs boss Marink Reedijk waiting for his first win.

Here are some of your views:

Kev: Hibs are getting better with every game under the new manager but it's clear some players are very low on confidence or just not good enough. We have nothing to fear against Hearts at Hampden but must take our chances.

John: Absolutely dire. This team have no idea how to win games. Play is so slow, allowing teams to defend in depth. Unless drastic changes happen the Championship beckons. Will give the coach until Christmas.

Marcus: I really feel for Reedijk, there are clearly players not good enough for our club that have to play because of a poorly assembled squad. That said, the run we are on is relegation fodder but I have faith that we can sort things out before it's too late. We must persevere.

John: One shot on target says it all. With no leader in the backline we lose yet another hapless goal with too many bodies inside the six-yard box getting in each other's way.

Lee: This is more and more looking like a recruitment issue. Changes from the bench rarely hold a positive outcome and when you look at all teams outside of the top three, they simply look like squads that Hibs will struggle to outperform. Fans feel let down by the club with the added reality of also letting down club legend David Gray.

Gordon: Simply awful once again. Glad of the point that stops the unacceptable run of defeats but there is simply nothing there. As for Jason Kerr, Grant Hanley for all his faults simply must start on Sunday. It's a game I and I suspect many Hibs fans are not looking forward to, a potential record defeat in the offing, not a single current Hibs player would get near the Hearts side.

Watch the best of the action as St Mirren snatch a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with boss and deny Marink Reedijk a first win since taking charge at Easter Road. Available to UK users only.

Marink Reedijk is still waiting for his first win as Hibernian manager after a late St Mirren equaliser snatched a Scottish Premiership draw in Paisley.

Read the full match report here

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Hibs boss Marink Reedijk: "I think we should have three points. There is a pride in how the guys fought for the club, for each other, for every metre on the pitch.

"It's unfortunate because I think we deserved more than just one point however we have to live with that. We saw improvements, we saw a team who pressed high, regained the ball high and on the ball we were composed and clinical. This is a good step, a point is a point and we continue to Sunday.

"We were very good but if you want to be very, very good you need to win the game. If you're so dominant, you need to win the match. If you keep on fighting and improving like this, that will change, I'm one thousand per cent sure of that.

"You build a house on the foundation and I think we've built the foundation properly to eventually paint the windows."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger is convinced Hibs are heading in the right direction under Marink Reedijk despite being anchored at the bottom of the Premiership.

Reedijk has lost his opening three games since replacing David Gray, but Sallinger believes there are clear signs of improvement.

As he eyes victory at St Mirren tonight, the Austrian said: "Obviously, the bottom of the league is nowhere near our ambitions, that's clear.

"But I'm sure and convinced that, with the players and staff at this football club, we can turn these things around quickly.

"It's been difficult over the last two weeks because of the results, but I think there's an improvement in every game.

"Looking back at Sunday's game [against Celtic], I thought we had a decent performance. We just didn't get away with a point, unfortunately, but the feeling after the game was quite good.

"We work hard to get our points and have to do a lot to create chances to score goals, but at the moment we're getting punished for very little. Those are the things we have to change."

Sallinger believes the squad are now getting to grips with the new ideas implemented by Dutchman Reedijk.

"Every manager has different ideas about the way they see football, but from day one, since he came in, we were happy with the way he wants to play and how he sees the game," the 30-year-old added.

"It's quite different compared to the previous manager, but especially on Sunday, you could clearly see his way and how he wants us to play.

"I think we're going in a very good direction. If we keep improving, remain patient and believe in the way he wants to play, we will win a lot of games this season."

• St Mirren have lost their past two league games against Hibernian without scoring, this after being unbeaten in eight against the Easter Road side beforehand (W4 D4).

• Hibs have only lost two of their past 14 Scottish Premiership visits to St Mirren (W8 D4), winning their latest 3-0 in November 2025.

• St Mirren are unbeaten in seven midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) home games in the Scottish Premiership (W4 D3) since a 3-0 defeat to Celtic in January 2024. On Wednesday specifically, the Buddies have lost just one of their past 14 home matches in the competition (W3 D10), going down 0-1 to Kilmarnock in December 2023.

• Hibs have lost both of their last two away league games, last losing more in a row in January 2023 (6).

• Hibs have won both their past two league matches played on a Wednesday, last winning three in a row on this day of the week in the top flight in March 2008.