McGregor Proud Of Youngsters After Semi-Final Victory

Darren McGregor lauded his side as they secured their spot in the CAS Elite U19 League Cup Final with a resounding semi-final victory over Dundee United!

Jamie McMurdo snagged a terrific hat-trick by the hour mark to thrust the wee Hibees into an unassailable lead before Dean Cleland thrashed in a fourth. 

The hosts pulled one back with time to spare but never looked like threatening the Hibees' three-goal advantage as McGregor's side remained tight in defence throughout.

The Hibs U19s Head Coach had only positive things to say following the match and praised his players for stepping up to plate given several players were unavailable for selection.

"I'm delighted, it was an excellent performance, it was really, really good. I think everybody that wore a Hibs strip today, the Club will be proud of them, they should be proud of themselves. 

"I think Dundee United have proven in games gone by that they're a good young team, but I thought today we were excellent from start to finish and it could have been more. 

"Jamie McMurdo was absolutely excellent, and Owen Calder as well, when these lads come down from playing in the Lowland League, they should be an inspiration to the lads that are playing. They should be the standard because they've been in the Academy long enough and I thought they drove the team on today. 

"I thought Josh McDonald in the middle of the pitch, we gave him the captain's armband because Zach [Bruce] was unfortunately suspended, and he carried that really, really well and drove the team forward.

"Lewis Gillie again at the back [provided] consistency, I think Lewis needs to get that into his game and he'd done it ever so well today. 

"So there were loads of really big positives in it, I think that led to a really exciting game and one that we were well-worthy winners."

With six regulars unavailable through injuries and suspension, McGregor named two players who were yet to make a competitive appearance for the U19s before Monday night on the bench.

Murray McDermott, who was recently named Hibernian FC U17s Player of the Year, and Jackson Thomson, who has previously appeared in friendly fixtures, both came on as substitutes.

"It was excellent at the tail end of the game as well to get younger lads on. Wee Muzz McDermott and wee Jackson Thomson, I thought they were really good when they came on as well and they should take a lot of positives from that.

"They've trained a lot with us, so we know that they've got potential and there's more to come. 

"We've got a couple of suspensions and a few injuries and that gives lads an opportunity. Wee Ali Burns hasn't played a lot, but he comes into the middle of the pitch and does really well.

"Cole Shankland unfortunately goes off with an injury. But these boys have not played much, so when they get that opportunity, they need to take it with both hands and I think a lot of them did today, so it's pleasing moving forward."

With the CAS Elite Youth League title race heating up alongside progression in the League Cup, the wee Hibees now have the chance to achieve silverware on two separate fronts domestically.

"I think we've done really well," McGregor commented. "In the group stages we only lost one game. We've only got done by St Mirren on goal difference, so there's definite momentum there.

"And I say that to the lads before the game. Everybody wants to play in a final, regardless of whether it's a CAS cup final or a Scottish Cup final.

"There's something to play for, so it'll be a great day in May, hopefully."