Discipline is key for James McPake as he stands on brink of Hibs history

James McPake is trying not to think about climbing the stairs at Hampden to lift Hibs' first Scottish Cup in 110 years.

But the on-loan skipper admits that getting his hands on the silverware would mark the best day of his life.

McPake said the team is relaxed after the trip to Dublin earlier in the week with the squad and is now looking forward to leading out the team on Saturday.

McPake said: “Something I’m trying not to think about is the walk up the stairs but to go down as the first captain in 110 years to lift the cup for this fantastic football club would be amazing.

“It’s the biggest game of my life so far and I think if win that cup it will be the biggest day of my life.”

The Coventry defender joined Hibs in January and was immediately handed the captain’s armband by manager Pat Fenlon. McPake, who has led Livingston and Coventry in his career, said he was delighted with the honour and it spurred him on to repay Fenlon’s faith.

The 27-year-old said: “My first game at Ibrox didn’t got too well as I was sent off but for someone to put their trust in you after only four or five days training was great. It was a great boost to me and I think I’ve re-paid him with my form.

“It’s massive to keep cool heads. We have to just approach it like any other game, if we go out and play the occasion that’s when problems will happen.

“Players will get out of position and lunge into silly challenges so it is important we keep our discipline no matter what happens and keep 11 men on the pitch at full time.”

The Bellshill-born stopper is due to return to the Midlands after the final. With no deal yet in place to keep him at Easter Road McPake said he is ready to take his final bow.

He added: “I knew as soon as we got to the final that it would more than likely be my last game for Hibs so it’s something I’ve dealt with already.

“What better way to go out than as a Scottish Cup winning captain?”

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