Pat Fenlon: 'Calling Hibs underdogs is a cheap shot at my team'

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon does not think his team deserve the tag of underdogs© SNS Group

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon thinks calling his team underdogs for the Scottish Cup final is “a cheap shot”.

Fenlon will lead out his side at Hampden on Saturday in the first all-Edinburgh cup final in 116 years with Hearts having the form advantage. The Gorgie men have won all three previous derbies this season and are on a ten game unbeaten run against Hibs.

But the Irish boss does not agree that Hearts will go in as favourites for the historic showdown.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Fenlon said: “We have got some big Hibs fans in the dressing room and it would mean the world to them to win the game.

“I don’t buy that [we are the underdogs]. It’s a cheap shot maybe because we are Hibs.

“We had a big day last Monday where people doubted us and the players stepped up to the plate and showed what they are capable of.”

Fenlon, who arrived at Easter Road in November and secured SPL survival for Hibs last week with a 4-0 victory over doomed Dunfermline, has a number of out-of-contract players and loanees in his side. The former Bohemians manager hopes they can use the big stage to win themselves new deals.

He said; “The players that came in, whether they have been on loan or have come in towards end of season, have everything to play for.

“They have a future at parent clubs or they are looking to get themselves a contract.”

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