McGinn: Cup joy can help Hibs finish Premiership task

Paul McGinn helped Hibs beat Dundee United to reach the Scottish Cup final and now he hopes that victory can spur the team on to nail third place in the Premiership.

Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge scored in the 2-0 semi-final win on Saturday to ensure and exciting season finale for the Easter Road side. Now the team travel to Pittodrie on Wednesday, knowing that a draw against Aberdeen will mean they can’t be caught by Stephen Glass’ side.

Though Hibs would have another game to secure their position if things don’t go their way in midweek, McGinn says it’s important to get the job finished so all attention can turn to the cup final.

“It is a boost going into that,” he said. “It is another big one on Wednesday night.

“If we don’t get beat we tie up third. We will be going up there to try to win, we will not be playing for the draw.

“Ideally it is finished on Wednesday and we can look forward to the final.”

Winning the Scottish Cup in 2016 after a 114-year wait put a Hibs team in the history books, with McGinn’s brother John among the players who made their mark in the 3-2 win over Rangers. That occasion will be an inspiration for the current side as they look to lift the famous silverware.

“It would be nice to have a similar outcome,” McGinn said.

“It was an amazing day. I was there on the Sunday with half of Edinburgh out on the streets. So I know how much it means.

“It is not going to happen again due to Covid but I would love for something similar for us.”