David Gray insists he is comfortable with the pressure as Hibernian target a Premier Sports Cup semi-final berth this weekend. The Hibs head coach spoke ahead of Saturday's quarter-final trip to face League 1 side Ross County in Dingwall, a match that offers a route to a first semi-final since November 2023.

Gray's side go into the cup tie on the back of consecutive Premiership defeats to Hearts and St Johnstone, a 2-1 loss at McDiarmid Park last Friday leaving them eighth in the table with six points from five games. "That's the life of a football manager," Gray told reporters. "You're judged on results and that doesn't change."

Cup opportunity

The cup provides a clear opportunity for Hibernian to shift momentum. They have not reached a semi-final since a loss to Aberdeen under previous boss Nick Montgomery nearly three years ago. Veteran striker Brian Graham, who scored in the group-stage draw with Dundee, will be a key figure as Hibs look to handle past a confident Ross County side.

County, relegated from the Championship but unbeaten in League 1 this season, represent a significant hurdle with their full-time status and stable squad. The tie is seen as a potential defining moment for the managerial tenures involved. Gray, now in his third season in charge, is acutely aware of the need for constant progress. "If you think you've completed it and stand still, football has a way of changing very quickly, both in a positive way and a negative way," he said.

Squad challenges

Hibernian will be without the injured Rocky Bushiri and Jordan Obita for the trip north. The team's recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses from their last five outings across all competitions, conceding nine league goals already this term. A full list of the squad's availability can be found on the club's injuries page.

Success in the cup could provide a vital boost ahead of a demanding league schedule, with a home fixture against fourth-placed St Mirren looming on 30 December. Fans can check the full run-in on the fixtures page. For now, Gray's focus is solely on ending the semi-final drought and delivering a performance that meets the expectations of the Hibernian support.

Hibernian's next match is the cup quarter-final in Dingwall on Saturday.