Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

Anthony Stokes has been cast as the villain of the piece at his parent club this season, but he signed off from his Hibernian loan spell having cemented his hero status within the Leith club.

Stokes produced arguably his best performance of the season and ran rampant against James Tavernier, ghosting past the Rangers full-back at will and carving chance after chance from the right-hand flank.

He scored two – could have had more – and helped Hibs to the William Hill Scottish Cup with a result that banished a hoodoo that has stretched back 114 years.

“A hat-trick was probably a dream but I wasn't far off,” he smiled after yesterday’s pulsating encounter. “I thought we got a deserved win as overall we edged it on chances.

“People question the Hibs team about whether we have the mentality. I think we showed today that we do. I said when I joined that I came here to win something. We were unlucky with the promotion and in the League Cup Final. But this caps off the season. For all the staff, and the fans this is amazing.

“Even at 2–1 down with 15 minutes left I was thinking we would still get a chance.”

It was Hibs captain David Gray header who headed a Liam Henderson corner into the net into the 92nd minute of the game and Stokes has paid tribute to the man whom he insisted has led by example throughout a season that has been up and down.

“Dave popped up with the winner and it was fitting it was the captain,” said Stokes. “He has led by example even when it has been difficult for us all at times. I said coming into this game it would take a lot of the hurt away and it has.”

It will take some time for the magnitude of the achievement to sink in for Hibs, but Stokes has accepted that he will forever be revered as being part of a Hibernian team who finally delivered the Scottish Cup.

“I don’t think the boys understand what we have done yet,” he said. “I’m sure it will take a few days to sink in and realise the magnitude for Hibs. I keep saying that, even in the last spell I had at the club, it was: Will we do it this year? Will we do it this year?

“I’m just very thankful to be part of the squad which has managed to do it because it is almost history making.”

His fellow Celtic Park loanee, Liam Henderson, thanked former Ibrox midfielder Kevin Thomson for the influence he has had on developing his game and preparing him for Saturday’s Hampden final.

“Kevin, for me, has been second to none,” said the midfielder. “The things I have learned off him since he has been here have been absolutely frightening. He has come in, taken to me and given me advice.

“I room with him as well. Any time I have a decision to make I will give him a call. He has been unbelievable. “He has played in massive games, UEFA and Scottish Cup finals before, and for having a young midfielder he has been superb to me.”

The victory was overshadowed by the off-field carnage which greeted the full-time whistle, a melee that denied Hibs a proper moment of glory.

The presentation of the Scottish Cup was delayed given the scenes and Alan Stubbs’ men were denied their lap of honour around the Hampden trackside.

While Stokes insisted that he disappeared up the tunnel as soon as he was aware of the fans pouring onto the pitch and Henderson sought out his parents for an emotional embrace, midfielder John McGinn admitted that it overshadowed the historic victory.

“I wouldn't say the scenes at the end were understandable,” he said. “We wanted to enjoy a bit of time on the pitch. I just got myself off and made sure I was safe. I didn't see a lot after that. But we've won the Scottish Cup and no-one will ever be able to take that away from us.

“The one downside was that we didn't get a lap of honour. Even after half the stadium had left we wanted to go to the centre circle but the Police wouldn't allow it.

“That's a big regret because you want to savour those moments. The supporters are partly to blame for that but they were a bit more calm by the end.

“It's not something you want but as players we won the competition and that's all that matters.”

And the midfielder is looking forward to dining out on yesterday’s success for some time to come.

“It's crazy to think that we'll be Hibs legends now. I've been told I'll never buy a drink in Edinburgh again – so I'll be going out every week!” he laughed. “I'm just jealous that I'm not David Gray.”

Goalscorer Gray was keen to bask in the moment after grabbing the goal which won the trophy.

“It’s been a long, long time for Hibs supporters, they’ve gone through a lot of sad times, hurtful times. A lot of people just thought ‘has this really happened?’

“As soon as we got the corner, I felt it was coming a little bit. I don’t think it has properly sunk in yet.”