Hibs boss Jack Ross singles out two players who changed game and has say on Jamie Gullan 'penalty'

Two second half goals were enough to cancel out Alloa’s first-half opener, leaving manager Ross relieved and eagerly anticipating a return to Hampden after the 2-1 victory.

“It’s about winning a cup and I keep talking about coming to this club to manage it and make sure we do that,” said Ross.

“The club has had four consecutive semi-finals, which is good going, but it’s about taking that next step now. We have to keep being relentless in our pursuit of doing that.

“To be there again is a good achievement for the team but it’s about making that next step and getting to a final.”

For a period in the first half, there were some doubts as the club where Ross cut his managerial teeth made life tricky but, sending on subs Stevie Mallan and Kyle Magennis changed the momentum.

“That’s what you hope for when you make substitutions and I felt both of them brought energy and a tempo to us,” said the Easter Road boss.

“The pair of them made a valuable contribution to the game and can be pleased with themselves.

“We actually started well but then lost our way a bit, so it’s about getting them to trust what they do.”

They were denied a penalty when Jamie Gullan was clipped but the youngster stayed on his feet and the referee was not in a giving mood.

“Could we have had a penalty? Yes, I was questioning the fourth official because there was contact. Thankfully it didn’t impact the game,” said Ross.

“At half time I just reminded them to do what they’re good at because they’d got a little bit spooked after losing the goal. But when Stevie and Kyle came on we got back to what we were doing to start with and I always felt it would come for us.

“That’s 24 competitive matches with just four losses, which is a great record and the group deserve great credit for that.”

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