Cup joy for Hibernian and Collins

HIBERNIAN manager John Collins was elated as the club ended a 16-year wait for a major trophy by crushing Kilmarnock in the CIS Insurance Cup final at Hampden Park.

Collins was full of praise for teenage midfielder Lewis Stevenson’s contribution. Stevenson was named man of the match.

“Lewis Stevenson in midfield was a leader,” said Collins.

“The first time I saw him in a reserve match I knew he was something special. He’s only going to get better. It’s a great feeling, great for the players. They’ve worked ever so hard and deserve this but most of all for the fans.”

Collins, appointed as Tony Mowbray’s successor last autumn, admitted he had been fortunate to win a trophy so early in his management career.

“Very lucky indeed. The players, the coaches, all the staff, have worked so, so hard,” he said.

“This is what football is about, this is why we come to work, especially days like this.”

Hibernian’s last major trophy came in 1991, and Collins said: “Sixteen years is too long. A generation of youngsters haven’t seen us do this. Hopefully it won’t be 16 years until we win the next one.”

Stevenson claimed Hibernian had been flattered by their victory margin but admitted it had been a “brilliant” day.

Stevenson admitted the match had provided one of the highlights of his life.

“It has to be up there, especially in my football career,” he said. “It’s been brilliant.”

Captain Rob Jones got the opening goal, before Abdessalam Benjelloun and Steven Fletcher both netted twice.

KILMARNOCK: Combe, Frazer Wright, Greer, Ford, Hay, Di Giacomo (Locke 76), Johnston, Fowler, Leven (Wales 57), Nish, Naismith.

HIBERNIAN: McNeil, Whittaker (Martis 90), Hogg (McCann 90), Jones, Murphy, Sproule (Zemmama 79), Scott Brown, Beuzelin, Stevenson, Benjelloun, Fletcher.

Referee: D McDonald.