Jack Ross managed to rally his Hibs side to beat Dundee United 4-2- before all but writing off three transfer rumours as deadline day approaches.
Marc McNulty, currently on loan at Sunderland, has been rumoured to be a Hibees target. Meanwhile, Black Cats winger Aidan McGeady was in the stands to take in the 4-2 home win.
McGeady was watching Hibs in the cup. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
It started off with a stunning Lawrence Shankland goal, who hit the net for the 26th time this season. United couldn’t hold onto the lead though as Scott Allan converted a penalty into the net.
A second half hat-trick from Christian Doidge secured Hibs’ progression to the last 16, with Adrien Sporle’s effort not meaning much in the end. Hibs will play Lowland League side BSC Glasgow in that round.
Ross says he’s thrilled with the win, responding to McGeady and McNulty chat in the process, all the while dismissing rumours surrounding French midfielder Amos Youga.
Youga is a Frenchman currently with Le Havre. (PASCAL POCHARD CASABIANCA/AFP via Getty Images)
“I was really pleased to progress,” said Ross. “I spoke before the first game and this replay of us having one of the most difficult draws out of the Premiership clubs.
“We had to play well over the two games and I think we did. I think we played well at Tannadice and again tonight. It may be could have been easier in terms of the opportunities we created over the course of the two games but to score four in the game and participate in a good, open, exciting game. I was delighted to progress.
“I didn’t know. He (McGeady) never asked me for a ticket so he must have other contacts. We are trying to prioritise other positions at the moment but he’s obviously a player I know well.
Ross knows McGeady well. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“It was nice of him to come along! Was Marc McNulty here? I obviously signed him this season already and he’s not playing regularly at the moment. However, he’s another club’s player at the moment so I wouldn’t want to comment too much.
“He’s a good player. Amos Youga is a definite no, I didn’t even know who he was until I seen the report. That’s not being disrespectful, but I knew nothing about him.”