As a member of the Celtic side on the wrong end of one of the Scottish Cup’s biggest-ever shocks, Shaun Maloney knows better than most that every underdog can have their day.
But the Hibs boss is determined to ensure he does not suffer another knockout blow against Arbroath tomorrow.
Maloney takes his Easter Road side to Gayfield on a dreadful run of form that has seen them fail to win any of their last six league games.
And, after playing in Celtic ’s 2-1 humbling from Clyde in the competition in 2006, Maloney knows the challenge Hibs face tomorrow against a team he believes could be on their way to the top flight.
The former Scotland international, who won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013, said: “That’s what makes these competitions what they are, when you play against teams in the league below.
“Although, Arbroath at the moment look like they’ve got a really strong chance of promotion.
“It’s just a brilliant challenge and that’s what the cup brings. We know the difficulty of the task and it’s just a very difficult Cup match.
“As a player, I had some positive experiences and I’ve had less positive days. (Clyde) can happen to any team.
“Anything can happen in cup competitions and that’s the beauty of it. That’s what we have to prepare for.”
Meanwhile, new arrival Demetri Mitchell is excited to face the challenge that will be posed by the Championship leaders at Gayfield.
“We’re not looking at it as a banana skin, but we’re not taking it lightly,” said Hibs’ January signing from Blackpool.
“We have to go there and fight our battles and show our levels and what we can do.”
