Russell Latapy believes team work is the key to Hibernian's final victory

The former Easter Road midfielder knows much of the focus will be on star man Leigh Griffiths' display against Celtic at Hampden.

But Latapy, who played for Hibs between 1998 and 2001, says the Edinburgh club has a far better chance of ending a 111-year wait for the trophy if the whole team pulls together.

He said: "Leigh Griffiths has had a fantastic season and he has helped the team get to where they are.

"But it is always a team game and I'm sure he would agree that without his team-mates they wouldn't be in the final.

"I think it's more of a team effort from what I've seen. I don't want to single out too many players.

"I think it's more important to play as a unit. I think if they do that, it's their best chance of getting a result."

Griffiths has courted controversy off the pitch in the past but Latapy believes the plaudits he has earned this term show he is now maturing on the park.

He said: "With the season he has been having so far, he has been concentrating on his football.

"As young players, you do what you like to do best and a lot of things come along with that and it's easy sometimes to get side-tracked.

"But fair play to him, he has been knocking in the goals and his team is in the final.

"It says in one way that whatever else is happening, it's not affecting what he is doing on the pitch."

Latapy will be at the national stadium to witness what he expects to be a much longed for Hibs victory in the final on Sunday.

He said: "It's always a very interesting game. It's a competition with a lot of history.

"It's one that I've always personally enjoyed and I'm looking forward to the game.

"I think it's going to be a difficult game for Hibs but it's a cup final and I'm hoping we can get a good result.

"As far as goals are concerned, these two teams always produce a fair amount of goals.

"It's difficult to predict the goals - but a Hibs victory for sure."