So Hibs must "dust themselves down" and try to win a quarter-final in which the majority of Hibs fans give them no chance and I am one of the sceptics. As far as I'm aware, Paul Heckingbottom has not been sacked. Therefore we have "nae chance"!! Now lets get down to how Hibs could actually win this game. IMO we need to "shut the back door" and focus on not losing silly, avoidable goals. IMO stick to the current defence but we need an "anchor man", an organiser/leader, in front of our back line - we actually require a Milligan type player to mop up and dictate forward counter-attacks on a shit artificial surface. We also need to identify who can play on this restrictive surface - a lotta homework to do before arriving at Rugby Park with an effective plan to win a cup-tie and make some money from a semi-final appearance - I am not bothered, one way or the other, re winning this cup because it is ultimately a distraction from an impending relegation crisis if we "dinnae get the finger oot" and field accountable players in an accountable Hibs 1st team. I'd bring back Rocky in goal. I'd also field a back three and choose the best defenders who can perform on this pitch to attack the opposition. I'd move Porteous into that midfield "anchor role" because I can't think of anybody else who is suitable for that role. I WOULD NOT FIELD VELA UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - NOWT AGAINST THE LAD BUT IMO HE IS NOT FIT TO WEAR A HIBS JERSEY!! We have players for the mid area but lets play them in their best positions - lets experiment with that mid formation but also demand a physical commitment from certain players - lets play a tough, competitive match bordering on dirty and nasty as we have been soft and uninspired for too long esp when the "going is tough" - I would demand this commitment in the dressing on behalf of the Hibs fans who have been totally let down this season! I'd consider bringing back young Fraser Murray as part of that experiment. I'd play two up front (not Hecky's usual useless one lone striker!!!) and try to play for goals as GOALS WIN GAMES AND THIS IS A GAME THAT WE WANNA TRY TO WIN!! My preferred strikers? Well it must be Kamberi again but play him alongside Shaw and I'd tell the lad that he is finally in a "last chance saloon position" to win a position in the team - relax, play well and try to score goals because he has not been doing enough of that and must perform better. Players to choose who must "feed" the front two? Horgan is a 1st pick and Middleton(?) poss did enough on Sunday to be given a slot on Hibs right wing. However, the reality is that Heckingbottom is still in charge and he won't change anything or impress Hibs fans with a "fighting" Hibs line up - totally incapable, much the same as the Hibs board at the moment! Lastly I wish we had a proper captain - an "old chestnut" for me to raise!! I have nothing against Paul Hanlon, the current skipper! Paul is a good lad but my captain will always be an "in your face" fully committed player! Somebody like Scott Broon - ohhhh I forgot that Scott was once a Hibs player and was groomed to eventually be a long-term Hibs captain, a potentially great one, but even though he chose to leave, Hibs did what they do well and took the £3M that Celtic offered. I'd actually be tempted to give the captaincy to Porteous who is one Hibs player who looks like he wants to win any game "at all cost"!! I like that attitude!
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