Hibs zapped Rangers with their high-voltage Hampden display - now Jack Ross says it's time his side proved lightning can strike twice in battles against the Old Firm.
The Easter Road men electrified the Leith support with last week’s stunning win over the rudderless champions as they marched into the final of the Premier Sports Cup on the back of a charged-up Martin Boyle hat-trick.
But Ross is betting on Gers being far more organised when they head east for Wednesday night’s Premiership rematch now that Giovanni van Bronckhorst has taken over from Ibrox caretaker Davie McCallum.
It’s four years since Hibs last recorded back-to-back wins over the Light Blues - and 14 since they managed to double up on Celtic.
But with confidence on full power after his side ended their five game Premiership losing streak with Saturday’s St Johnstone win, Ross reckons this could be the time for his team to dish out another shock.
Ross said: “It’s not too often that the Old Firm lose consecutive games against the same opponent.
“For us, there’s a real significance in continuing to win league games and climbing the table irrespective of our opponent.
“It’s about the same approach to the game in terms of what we did to win that semi final and the intensity we played with. We need to repeat that tomorrow.
“There have been a bit of an edge to the games in recent times and I’d expect in the aftermath of the semi final for that to be the same.”
Hibs’ showdowns with the Ibrox men have proved to be feisty affairs and it wasn’t just the players going toe-to-toe.
Ross’ first encounter with Rangers after moving to Edinburgh back in 2019 proved an explosive affair as his No.2 John Potter ended up squaring up to Steven Gerrard’s back-room after Ryan Porteous’ red-card lunge on Borna Barisic.
Gers striker Fashion Sakala stoked the fires again by claiming the champions will be out for “revenge”.
But Ross’ response can be summed up simply - bring it on.
He added: “We have probably dealt with quite a lot in this fixture in recent times. Right back my first one was when the dugouts had a bit of a disagreement and right through to the aftermath of recent games. There’s always been something involved in them.
“But it’s okay, I don’t mind it. I think the games have all been really good recently.
“I don’t mind Rangers players saying (they want revenge) – they’re not used to losing many games. It was a big game for them to lose and they want to put it right.
“Just as much as we wanted to put right the fact we hadn’t won any of those games previously when we felt we had played well but been on the wrong end of one or two decisions.
“Our motivation will be the same as theirs.”
Van Bronckhorst’s return to Ibrox will provide a new dimension to tonight’s affair.
There was a stale whiff during the final days of the Gerrard era but the Dutchman has reinvigorated his team with wins over Sparta Prague and Livingston.
“There’s obviously been tweaks made, especially in the forward areas,” said Ross.
“We’re aware of that and at least the good thing is we’ve been able to watch two games the new manager’s been in charge of.
“But it’s also the same personnel with the same individual qualities we’ve faced in recent times so although there’s some adaptations to their style it’s a group of players we’ve faced regularly.
“We’ll prepare the best we can for their threat but always doing a lot of work on how we can exploit weaknesses in them.”
Ross is boosted by Boyle’s return after a one-game ban for his Ross County red card and is backing the Australia international to prove he’s one of the most dangerous frontmen currently operating in Scotland.
He said: “For me, he’s one of the most productive and effective attacking players in the league.
“So to have him back is a big boost.
“His recent impact against Rangers is very obvious.
“We all have opinions on players, who we think are better than others, particularly attacking players.
“Over the last two years, his numbers have been outstanding, goals and assists. I’d think, without even looking at it, it would put him up there with anybody in the league.
“I don’t think there are many managers in the Premiership that wouldn’t like him in their squad. When he’s in full flow, he’s very difficult to stop.”
