ALAN STUBBS has urged his Hibernian squad to banish their Scottish Cup memories and clinch the Premiership berth they 'deserve' this season.

The Easter Road outfit were beaten by Championship rivals Falkirk at Hampden on Saturday as they missed out on a return to the National Stadium and a meeting with Inverness Caley Thistle.

Hibs return to action tomorrow night when they face Livingston at the Energy Assets Arena knowing victory is crucial if they are to reel in Rangers this term.

The Light Blues are currently four points ahead in the race for second spot as the promotion race gets set to go down to the wire and boss Stubbs is eager for a flying finish to the campaign.

He said: "We have so much to achieve in this season. Losing the semi-final is gone, we have to get over it.

"It's my job and that of my staff and the players themselves to pick them up.

"You have to be able to draw on the disappointment and to make you stronger. It's the worst feeling.

"I am as disappointed as anyone, but if anything it drives you on even more. We have a talented group of players, there's only one direction they are going to go. It's just a matter of time.

"They deserve to play in the Premiership but nothing is given to you, you have to earn it and that's what we will try to do from now to the end of the season.

"We still have a lot to play for, we are not in mid-table where the season just fizzles out.

"There would have been nothing better than to lead the team out for a final but it's gone.

"We can't dwell on it and let it have a hangover effect. The best way to respond is to go out on Wednesday and get the result we want."