CHRIS HOGG couldn't bear to watch last year's Scottish Cup final as he came to terms with the torture of Hibs' semi defeat by Dunfermline.
Now the defender has vowed to use that heartache to drive him on as the campaign kicks off with a tough home clash against bogey side Inverness.
Hogg was the scapegoat against Pars as he conceded a disputed penalty that Jim McIntyre netted for the only goal of the semi replay.
He said: "Last year was so painful because we were favourites to win that game. I couldn't watch the final, I kept the TV off and didn't look for the result.
"That will drive me on going back into the cup. Since I've been here we've done well in the competition, reaching the semi-finals, and now we must strive to go one step further."