Jack Ross admits he could be facing a summer rebuild at Hibs given the transfer interest in his stars.
They fell flat at Hampden today with a disappointing display in their 1-0 Scottish Cup final defeat to St Johnstone.
But it’s been a strong season for the Easter Road side, who finished third in the Scottish Premiership and will take part in the Europa Conference League next season.
But Josh Doig, Kevin Nisbet, Ryan Porteous and Martin Boyle have all attracted interest from bigger clubs after their exploits this season, and the latter has a £500,000 release clause in his contract.
Doig have been linked with a $million move to Watford while interest in Nisbet is set to be rekindled after a £3million January bid from Birmingham City was rejected.
Millwall remain keen on Ryan Porteous and while Ross obviously hopes he can hang on to all of them, he accepts he may not be able to prevent at least one of them departing.
He told Premier Sports: "I think what the players have achieved today has been outstanding. I don't think that can be taken away by what has happened today. Once that soreness subsides they will reflect on an outstanding season.
"I want them to keep coming back here as Hibs players, and if their individual pathway takes them elsewhere I want them to come back here individually and win it. That will come for them, they are a good group.
"There is an element of that comes outwith my direct control. Naturally as a manager I would say keep them all because of what they've given me, but there may be factors outwith my control in that respect. If it's the case I need to build it again then that's what I'll do. That's my job.
"We have a group that could deliver consistent success for us but we will deal with that puzzle when we come to it."
Ross also insisted his players should be proud of their efforts despite cup final heartbreak.
Shaun Rooney’s first half header put St Johnstone ahead at Hampden and Hibs never truly looked like turning things around.
He added: "It's a sore dressing room in there, they put so much into the game. I don't think I could have asked for any more desire, heart and commitment into it.
"In the first half we probably have the clearest opportunity, and that's the fine moments we spoke about pre-match. In the second half we had to do things a little bit quicker and braver.
"I don't think there is a huge amount between the two, but the fine margins didn't go our way and in the final third we were maybe not as incisive today."
