Hibs defender Darren McGregor will never forget semi-final win

To Darren McGregor, the elation of helping Hibernian end 114 years of Scottish Cup heartache in 2016 is unrivalled.

But today’s televised clash at Tannadice has reminded him that the nerve-shredding semi-final success over Dundee United remains one of the most-stressful matches of his career.

Hibs supporters are likely to care little about the manner of the victories en route to beating Rangers in the Final at Hampden.

McGregor, however, can vividly recall the events of the penalty shoot-out win over United on April 16, 2016.

“I was asked a little while back about my most-memorable game or my most exciting games,” said McGregor.

“And I know most people would, obviously, point to the Cup Final. But, for me, the most anxious game was the semi-final.

“Everybody can remember big Conrad Logan coming in, having not played for several months and then pulling off that display.

“There was the one-on-ones he saved, and then there was his antics in the penalty shoot-out.

“I remember manager Alan Stubbs saying: ‘Who wants to take a penalty?’. And I think I was actually behind big Conrad in the pecking order!

“I missed one at under-14s and it has scarred me since.”

McGregor’s thoughts on team-mate Jason Cummings at half-time were likely to have been entirely different, having watched the forward dink his ‘Panenka’ penalty over the bar.

“Anyone who knows Jason, you know the kind of guy he is,” added McGregor.

“He is carefree, and some of the things he pulled off in games were miraculous because of that.

“We knew he was capable of great things and, for me, one of the biggest positives of that whole game was the fact he still stood up at the end of the game to put us through.”

This afternoon’s clash has all the makings for a classic.

United, who will be spearheaded by 25-goal striker Lawrence Shankland, are brimming with confidence after opening up a 17-point gap at the Championship summit.

Hibs appear to be heading in the right direction under head coach Jack Ross. But they could be ring-rusty in their first game back since the three-week Premiership shutdown.

“To have the points difference they have at this stage of the season is testament to the boys they have and the manager as well,” said McGregor.

“They’ll go into this game with confidence. They’re a Premiership team in waiting, and they’ll be thinking they can turn us over.

“Shankland can’t seem to stop scoring. I have seen him and he’s got a bit of everything. I’m sure he’s dying to score another hat-trick against us.

“It’s our job to make sure that doesn’t happen.”