Neil Lennon praises Hibernian side after Hearts cup win
Thursday 23 February 2017 10:21, UK
Hibernian boss Neil Lennon was delighted with the attitude of his team as they swept Hearts aside at Easter Road on Wednesday.
Lennon had publically criticised his players after the Championship leaders were held to a 1-1 draw by Raith Rovers last weekend.
But his side responded with a resounding 3-1 victory to secure a Scottish Cup quarter-final tie at home to Ayr.
It is the second season Hibs have beaten their fiercest rivals in a fifth round replay, as the club aims to successfully defend the trophy they won at Hampden last May.
Lennon was delighted by the response of Jason Cummings and John McGinn in particular, who were both signalled out for a poor display against Rovers.
Cummings opened the scoring before Grant Holt and substitute Andrew Shinnie stretched Hibernian's lead, while Esmael Goncalves netted a consolation for the visitors at the second attempt after his penalty was blocked by goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.
"Sometimes I know what I am doing," Lennon said, with reference to his comments at the weekend. "You could see what it meant to the players, they were ferocious - absolutely ferocious.
"The players I singled out for criticism, Cummings and McGinn, were tremendous. It showed not just their quality but also character. They are big-game players. It shows I have got a very good dressing room.
"We were magnificent. We blew Hearts away. We were so dominant. I couldn't have asked for any more.
"My team wanted it. I sent them out there to win it. We were the better team in all departments. It's been difficult for these players on difficult pitches. But I know what we've got and knew we could hurt Hearts if the big players turned up.
"All it does is put us in the quarter-final. But psychologically it gives everyone at the club a lift."
Lennon also praised the Hibernian fans for their backing, as they ended the night with a rousing rendition of Sunshine On Leith, again emphasising their importance to the club.
"If we play under the floodlights here every time, I'd be delighted. The atmosphere is pretty special," Lennon said.
"It was a big appeal to me when I saw it at the end of the season at the cup final. The fan base here is huge and the potential here at the club is big."
Hearts boss Ian Cathro conceded the performance was not good enough, as his side now focus on securing third place in the Premiership ahead of St Johnstone and Rangers.
"We lost the fight," Cathro told Sky Sports after the Easter Road defeat.
When asked if his team were not up for the match as much as their old rivals, he said: "I certainly can't deny that because we watched it and we saw it so, clearly.
"I'm standing here understanding fully that we've let a lot of people down."
