Hibs boss Marink Reedijk moved by Sunshine on Leith after historic Hearts victory
Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk says he was touched by the emotional scenes at Hampden after his side secured a 2-1 victory over Edinburgh rivals Hearts to reach the League Cup final.
The Hibees came from behind to beat the Jambos on Sunday, securing their first win over Hearts at Hampden and setting up a final against Rangers on December 13.
It was also Reedijk's first victory as Hibs manager, coming in his fifth game in charge.
Hearts took the lead through Claudio Braga, who headed home from a corner, before Martin Boyle marked his return to the Hibs side with an equaliser in the 19th minute.
Jamie McGrath then put Hibs ahead three minutes before half-time.
Hearts pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Hibs held firm to secure a memorable victory over their city rivals.
Following the final whistle, thousands of Hibs supporters celebrated by singing the club's anthem, Sunshine on Leith, in an emotional moment for the Dutch manager.
Reedijk admitted the scenes had left a lasting impression on him.
"I'm not always showing my emotions, but it's really touching," he said.
"So maybe it looks like I'm an ice King, so to say.
"But for me, it is really important that this happens and it comes close to my heart because this is what football is about.
"Guys who inspire people on the pitch with something people off the pitch and in the stands love to see. That is what football is about."
Newell: 'It will live with me forever'
Hibs midfielder Joe Newell was equally emotional following the victory, describing the celebrations as among his favourite moments at the club.
"That's probably my favourite," he said.
"I'm probably getting emotional now, but it's just seeing that at Hampden, it's just incredible.
"We've been through a lot this season, obviously, already, the fans. So to give them that, it's unbelievable. You can't actually put it into words.
"It's such a special feeling inside. A lot of the boys have probably seen it for the first time today.
"And if they didn't know now how special the club is, they will do."
Hearts boss left frustrated by defeat
Meanwhile, Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken admitted he was "really sore and disappointed" after watching his side surrender their early advantage.
The Belgian believes first-half injuries to Tomas Magnusson and Calvin Miller disrupted his team's rhythm and contributed to their defeat.
"It didn't have to go this way because we had control of the game when it started," he said.
"I think it started when Tomas was injured, that's clear, and afterwards Calvin Miller.
"And those two changes - I am not pointing at the players who came in - but the changes took us off the rhythm."
Vrancken felt Hearts regained control in the second half but failed to make their dominance count.
"We dominated the game again but it was just a pity that we didn't get rewarded because we have had a lot of knocks already, also today, and you just hope they get rewarded."
Hibs will now return to Hampden on December 13 to face Rangers, with Reedijk hoping to build on his first victory as Easter Road boss.