Hibernian star Ryan Porteous wants to end the Easter Road’s run of semi-final losses. Jack Ross’ team have reached eight semi-finals in the last seven years, but have not reached a cup final since the 2016 Scottish Cup Final against Rangers.
Most recently, Hibernian lost 2-1 to Hearts in the delayed Scottish Cup semi-final which took place in October. Now Porteous and his teammates have a chance to put things right when they take on St Johnstone in this afternoon’s Betfred Cup semi-final.
The player also reflected on the loss to Hearts, a game which he managed to take some positives from.
“Took a while to get over”
“It definitely took a while to get over, that one. Having looked back at that game we played really well, we created a lot of chances, and there was definitely some positives to take from it, even though we’ve came away with a defeat in a big game” he said.
Ryan Porteous in action for Hibernian (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“Obviously we weren’t happy with that. But, we played well enough in the game to win two games. I think we need to take that experience into this one (against St Johnstone).
“Maybe the last four or five semi-finals as a club Hibs have been in, we’ve not won. So that’s definitely something that we want to rectify come Saturday” Porteous said.
Players have discussed semi-final record
The player admitted that he and his teammates have discussed their semi-final record on occasion.
Ryan Porteous will be a key man for Hibernian against St Johnstone (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“I think it’s came up a few times. I don’t think it’s too much of a duck we need to break. It’s not got to that stage. But I think it also highlights how good we have been in cup competitions. We’ve always got into the latter stages of it.
“But going by the Scottish Cup Final, that was the last time we got into the final and anything can happen on the day. As a club we want to achieve more success regularly, and by putting ourselves into finals it gives us that chance and that platform” he concluded.