Hibs’ midfielder Kevin Thomson insists that winning the trophy would be the highlight of his illustrious career and he has praised Alan Stubbs’ decision to take the squad to a training camp in the sun ahead of Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final.
Speaking to Hibs TV, Thomson said: “This is a great idea. It keeps everybody together and away from the media and ‘hubble bubble’ that comes with a cup final.
“We went for dinner last night as a big group with all the staff and all the players were saying that it was a good idea. We had breakfast together this morning and later we will be in the gym this afternoon and start preparing for the cup final on Sunday. It’s good to get away and get a bit of sun and we have a training ground where we can do out tactics.
“The manager knows what everybody is eating and how they are sleeping and hopefully it will prepare us well for Sunday.
“I’m buzzing for Sunday to be honest. Playing in cup finals is second to none. a lot of good players never get to play in one and to be involved in another one at this stage of my career, especially for the Hibees is something that really excites me.”
The midfielder also played in Hibs’ 2004 League Cup Final defeat to Livingston and played a significant role in leading the club to Hampden that year as he recalled: “2004 was an amazing run but a you remember is getting beat in the final. I remember scoring in the quarter finals against Celtic and it was my first goal for the club and it was a fantastic night. Then we went to Hamden and beat Rangers on penalties so I have some great memories but unfortunately on the big day we let ourselves down.
“It’s not too big a difference this time round. We are playing a team that is in the Premier League who are doing really well and we know that it’s going to be a really tough game.”
Thomson’s move from Dundee during surprised many in the game and some fans questioned the wisdom of brining the ex Scotland international back to the club however any doubters have been silenced by his performances on the field. He himself has no regrets as he explained: “”I’ve been away and came back but the club is still the same. It’s the club that I have loved since I was a young boy and to be part of another big day for this club and have a chance to win the cup is something we all should be relishing, not just myself.
“It would be the highlight of my career to lift a cup with Hibs. I have managed to lift a few myself during my career and to have a special day at Hamden would e extra special not just for myself but for my family as well. I have two young boys who would love to be on that pitch with the cup.
“The move back to Hibs has been good and refreshing. I’ve been lucky enough to stay fit and be in involved in the squad. All the boys have welcomed me with open arms and I am delighted to be back. I’ve managed to play in a couple of derbies and a few games and been on the bench a few times. I am only 31 and believe that I have a lot to contribute.”
Photo by John Preece
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.
