TOP scorer Jason Cummings says he would love to be part of Hibernian’s European campaign after helping end their long wait for Scottish Cup glory.
The 20-year-old is on the radar of other clubs after hitting 25 goals this season and has only a year left on his contract, meaning the Easter Road side might be tempted to cash in this summer.
However, Saturday’s 3-2 final triumph over Rangers earned Hibs a place in Europa League qualifying and Cummings said: “We’re in Europe and I’d love to be part of that.
“I’m contracted to Hibs for another year, so, I’m going to go on my holidays and enjoy my time off and whatever happens, happens.”
On being part of the first Hibs team to lift the Scottish Cup since 1902, Cummings, who joined his team-mates for an open-top bus parade that brought thousands of people on to the streets of Edinburgh yesterday, added: “It was an amazing day. I’m delighted for the boys, they all deserve it – and not just the boys who played, the coaching staff, the physios, and the boys who didn’t play as well.
“It’s a historic moment and I’m glad to be part of it. I don’t know if I can top this, I may as well retire right now and call it a day because it’s one of the best achievements ever. Everyone knows what it means to Hibs.”
Anthony Stokes scored twice – with Kenny Miller and Andy Halliday netting in between – before Hibs captain David Gray’s stoppage-time winner.
Cummings went on: “The boys are just relieved. We knew we deserved more this season. We were a bit hard done by in the League Cup final and a bit hard done by in the league.
“I thought it was going to be our day. It had to be our day. By the law of averages, we had to get something. It panned out that way and we got a last-minute winner like teams have done to us, and it couldn’t have fallen to a better guy, Dave Gray, the captain of the club and an absolutely top guy. I’m absolutely delighted for him.”
Cummings added: “There’s nothing can top that moment. I would give everything that’s happened in the season for that. Everyone knows what it means to Hibs and you saw the passion in the fans at the end. It was one of the best days of my life.
“I’m just hoping I don’t need to buy a drink again in Leith. That’s what people have been saying to me and I want to test that out.”
Midfielder Fraser Fyvie reckons Hibs have finally silenced the doubters: He said: “People keep questioning our character. Now they know we can win the big cup. For our fans, it’s great; for people around the club it’s brilliant. What a day for them and what a day for us.
“It means everything. A cup to take home and show your kids, to tell them you were part of the game. For everyone involved, it’s surreal. And it’s great to be the ones who have done it.”
Gray scored with a header from a corner taken by Liam Henderson, the on-loan Celtic midfielder who set up Stokes’ equaliser.
Henderson said: “I don’t feel as if I have been on loan, I feel like a permanent player here. I’m very thankful I can repay the fans and sign out on a high.
“I believe in this squad. It’s an extremely talented squad. We were very unfortunate not to get promoted, but all credit to Falkirk. They are a good side who don’t get enough credit for the way they play.
“But to win the Scottish Cup after 100-odd years in that style, especially against Rangers, it’s very special.”
Stokes, back on loan at his former club from Celtic, added: “It’s a great feeling, I’m delighted for everyone involved – the coaching staff, the players and the fans.”
As well as scoring twice, the Irishman also hit a post from 25 yards and forced Wes Foderingham into two good saves. The striker was also off target with three more ambitious efforts as the Rangers defence failed to cope with his menace.
It was a big occasion and I think most of the time at Celtic I rose to the big occasions,” Stokes said. “I’m just delighted for the other lads that I did that again.
“I could have four or five, but I’m glad to make any sort of contribution and I think it’s fitting that David Gray came up with the winner. The skipper has been outstanding for us. He’s someone who puts in 100 per cent every week and he leads the lads every week.”
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