Hibs’ captain David Gray says that he is relishing the “real honour” of leading the team out against Rangers at Hampden Park this afternoon as the club aim to end their Scottish Cup hoodoo.
The former Manchester United right back quickly became a fans’ favourite after his move to Easter Road two years ago and his appointment as club captain, taking over from Liam Craig proved to be a popular decision by Alan Stubbs.
He now has the chance to write his name into the history books by leading the team to Hampden glory but he accepts that the game is likely to be close based on the games between the teams this season.
Gray told Hibs TV: “It’s a game we are all looking forward to. Hampden is a fantastic stadium and the pitch looks in great nick as well.
“You could go through your whole career and never play at the national stadium so it’s a great honour for me and the rest of the boys as well to play there again this weekend.
“It’ll be the same as every other time I lead the team out, it’s a massive honour to be captain of such a big club. I really appreciate the role I do and I really look forward to it every time I do.
“To have the opportunity to do it in a cup final is a real honour for me and one I’m really looking forward to.
“The games against Rangers have been very tight. we have beaten them twice in the league and they have beaten us twice. we know it’s going to be a real ‘ding dong’ game but one we are all looking forward to and one that we are capable of winning although Rangers will probably think so as well.
“The last time we played them we did really well but they have done really well this season and we are expecting a tough game.
“The confidence in the squad has always been there because we know we are a good side but the most important thing is to deal with the disappointment of not getting promoted ad put that away. On Friday I was really hurting as were the boys but we are lucky enough to have an opportunity to put that right eight days later.”
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.
