WITH Hibernian’s campaign balanced delicately ahead of two pivotal cup ties, head coach Alan Stubbs has revealed how his successful battles against cancer allow him to put football in context.

The Easter Road head coach gave his squad two days off last week, despite the hat-trick of shock defeats that have ended their title hopes. He believes it was the lay-off he desperately required himself ahead of this afternoon’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and next Sunday’s League Cup final against Ross County.

Having enjoyed time with his family, Stubbs, who survived two bouts of testicular cancer during his spell as a player with Celtic, says he will never allow football travails to dominate his life.

“I’ve had a couple of days away from it all and I’m raring to go again,” said Stubbs, pictured. “I needed it. I just completely chilled, tried not to look at football. Whenever I have the opportunity, I do this because, believe it or not, football is not the life and soul to me. It’s a big part of my life, but it’s not 100 per cent of my life and it never will be. When I was a player, that wasn’t the case because I was stupid. But now, with what’s happened to me, it’s not the be all and end all. I love it but it’ll never be football first and family second with me – and that mindset helps me.”

Stubbs’ counterpart at Inverness, meanwhile believes Hibs’ three league defeats will have no bearing on today’s game, but John Hughes does think there will be pressure from a home support desperate to see them end a 114-year wait for Scottish Cup glory.

“I don’t think that has got any significance,” the former Hibs player and manager said. “It’s a one-off, a cup tie. It will be a good atmosphere. It’s a fantastic venue to play your football and that’s what we have to do. We have to be inspired by the venue. I think the two teams are evenly matched and it will be a bit of genius that wins the game.”