Saturday 22 April 2017 11:34, UK
Hibernian continue their defence of the Scottish Cup against Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday, the memory of their greatest hour at the national stadium still resonant.
Alan Stubbs' side came from behind in stirring fashion to beat Rangers 3-2 in the final of last year's Scottish Cup, ending a 114-year wait for success in Scotland's premier cup competition.
Eleven months on, much has changed; Stubbs has departed, Neil Lennon has taken over, steering the club to promotion after a three-year exile from the top flight.
Many of the holders' hopes will rest with Jason Cummings, the club's top-scorer for the last three years and a man who has 21 goals to his name this season.
Lennon told the Evening News: "We've got a good squad, a good spirit and we'll need all of that on Saturday. He's good for the game and I think that's the type of boys we are looking for. You don't want all of them to be like that! But we could certainly do with a few more. He delivers. He's a wee bit gallus but not rude or arrogant in any way.
"He has been priceless to us and I want him to continue because the season is not over - we want him to have a big say against Aberdeen as well."
Winger Chris Humphrey is back in contention for Hibs for the first time since suffering an injury in the replay win over Hearts two months ago but it not expected to start.
Defenders Liam Fontaine (ankle) and Paul Hanlon (pelvis) remain on the sidelines.
Aberdeen's prospects for the game have taken a turn for the better after Niall McGinn was passed fit to take his place on the bus to Glasgow.
The Dons' key man missed last weekend's win over St Johnstone with a groin injury.
Derek McInnes has no other injury concerns as he looks to guide Aberdeen to their eighth-ever cup success - and their first since 1990.
"I don't think there is a lot between the two teams," he said. "We view Hibs as probably a top-six side. I think with the level of experience they have got, they are the Cup holders, and winning most weeks gives them a level of confidence.
"It will be a tough game but I think we are a good side on our day. Hopefully, we can bring the performance we are capable of and, if we don't, we just make sure we do enough to get through."
