Top line summary

  • Struggled with the wind in the first-half, but team should have been better.
  • Vital to pick up points against Rangers.
  • 'Nothing concrete' on contract talks as he enters final months.
  • Loves the club but will move on if not wanted.

Christian Doidge spoke to the media after Hibs' 1-0 Scottish Cup win at Forfar. Here's everything the striker had to say...

Were you fearing extra time?

"We were in complete control of the game in the second half. First half was a different matter. They threw everything at us. That goalkeeper's kick, with the wind, caused us a lot of problems, but David Marshall saved us a few times and we made a couple of good blocks. We came in at half time, managed to play our football and get the win.

Can you put that first-half down to rust?

"No, it's down to the wind. You can't stop the keeper taking a kick and it landing in your own penalty box. It's impossible and would cause any team problems, although we could have done a little bit better."

Did Forfar have more of a go than you expected?

"I've played in loads of these games against teams that are a couple of divisions below and they give it everything. I've been in their shoes many times throughout my career and you want to impress. They did really well, they were hard to play against."

What was the message from the manager at half-time?

"Just liven up, really. Play our football. There was a lot of tactical stuff, they had a lot behind the ball, lads getting into pockets, being patient, getting the ball into the box and causing them problems.

"He was angry, but we were angry with ourselves too. There were some choice words in the dressing room but that happens all the time when you are not playing well. Lads stand up. We knew what we were doing wrong and we managed to fix it."

How do you switch the mindset from this game to facing Rangers?

"All the lads are used to playing in Scottish Cup, or FA Cup if you played in England. You have to deal with it. It will be nice to be at home and play against Rangers in another big game. The league campaign is really important for us. We've got a really tough run now so it's important we pick up points."

Going from Dubai to Forfar must have been a shock...

"I know. We worked extremely hard in Dubai. I think we classed it as a mini pre-season. The new manager has come in so we did a lot of tactical work as well. Obviously coming to Forfar is a lot different to spending a week in Dubai but we didn't leave any stone unturned, we were completely professional and managed to get the win."

Will the team feel the benefits of Dubai in due course?

"Definitely. We worked extremely hard. We got a lot of yards in the legs and did a lot of tactical stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds."

What has the manager said about your own position in the team?

"There's a lot of options. They've brought in a new laddie up front [Myziane Maolida] who looks really good, so we'll see what happens. I'm not really sure, to be honest."

Do you feel you can offer something different?

"Of course, I back myself. I know what my strengths are and they are a lot different to the other lads. And the manager knows that too. But I want to play as much football as I can."

How much chat has there been about your contract?

"There's been a little chat, but nothing concrete. I've got six months left. I'll just have to see what happens."

Are you looking at other options?

"I've got to try and look after myself. It's a short career so if something does come up, I'll be quite happy to move on if I have to. I love it here but you have to weigh up the options and see what happens."

Would assurances of regular football here be required?

"I love it here but it's down to conversations with Ian [Gordon, director], Ben [Kensell, CEO] and the gaffer. If I'm not wanted come the summer, I'll have to move on - I need to play somewhere."

READ MORE: Every word from Nick Montgomery Hibs Q&A after Forfar win

What is it you love about Hibs?

"It's in a great city, great fanbase, loads of pressure, it gets you out of bed in the morning. You want to play for a big club. I've just had a really enjoyable coming up for five years now. The dressing-room, the training ground - everything about the club really."

Has there ever been a time you were close to leaving?

"Obviously I went on loan to Kilmarnock last year and that was just down to whatever, they brought new boys in and they had other ideas. In the summer I really wanted to knuckle down and earn my way into the team. Listen, football is crazy. We'll see what happens, I have no idea."

On the record, did you know it was going to extra time?

"I had no idea! The boys will be buzzing on that bus."