Hibernian midfielder Alex Gogic admitted the Easter Road side's 'painful' Scottish Cup semi-final defeat at the the hands of city rivals Hearts was a difficult one to take, but said he was determined not to allow the setback to damage their encouraging start to the league campaign.
The Cypriot stopper was convinced the men in green and white were the better side at Hampden and but for the intervention of Craig Gordon in the Jambos' goal, should be planning for a return to the national stadium next month.
Kevin Nisbet thumped his penalty against the crossbar in extra-time, four minutes before Liam Boyce was successful from 12 yards at the other end to send Hearts through.
Christian Doidge had already levelled for Jack Ross's side after Craig Wighton headed the Tynecastle outfit in front, but both Hibs strikers were denied in stunning fashion by the veteran Hearts keeper.
Ross was left ruing 'fine margins' after the final whistle and Gogic too bemoaned Gordon's efforts between the sticks over the 120 minutes.
But the midfield enforcer said it was now up to the squad to rally ahead of their Premiership trip to Aberdeen on Friday as they continue their fight for a European spot.
“Everyone gave all they’ve got, but their goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, made some unbelievable saves," he said.
"Especially from [Kevin] Nisbet’s header and [Christian] Doidge’s scissor kick towards the end. We gave it our best - it’s just that our penalty didn’t go in and their one did.
“I think we were the better team to be honest. And sometimes you don’t win even when you play better. We can’t let this change anything."
The Dons also came unstuck in their Hampden meeting with Celtic, going down 2-0 to Neil Lennon's side as they exited the competition at the penultimate stage for the third successive season.
The Pittodrie side have a game in hand over Hibs following their coronavirus-induced postponements earlier in the campaign with just a point separating the two sides in third and fourth respectively.
Gogic added he was aware of the size of the task awaiting them in the granite city - where the Leith outfit are winless in eight years - but hoped to defeat at Hampden could motivate the men in green and white to make a statement on their aspirations for the league season.
“We know where we are in the league and how well we have been doing. It’s a sore one now, but come Monday, we have to be prepared and focused for the game on Friday," he said.
“We are still in competitions and cups. We just have to make sure we get here again and next time go to the final.”
