There was considerable interest amongst Hibs and Hearts fans in yesterday’s Scottish League Cup Final at Hampden with no fewer that six former Edinburgh based players in the starting line ups of both teams.
Celtic had three ex Hibs’ players, captain Scott Brown, Edinburgh born Leigh Griffiths and Republic of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes along with former Hearts’ keeper Craig Gordon, whilst Dundee United had ex Hibs midfielder John Rankin and Hearts’ full back Ryan McGowan in their team.
Celtic’s Assistant Manager John Collins also began his career at Easter Road and actually managed Hibs to their 2007 CIS League Cup win whilst Dundee United manager Jackie Macnamara is the son of former Hibs’ defender, Jackie snr.
Celtic won the game 2-0 with goals from Chris Commons and James Forest although Forest missed a penalty in the closing minutes.
Dundee United’s captain Sean Dillon was sent off for a reckless tackle.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
