Hibs and Killie bow out of the League Cup early

If nothing else, we know that there will be a different name on CIS League Cup this season. Last March's finalists, Hibernian and Kilmarnock, were both dumped out of the competition this week, and won't even make the quarter finals.

For the holders, it's hardly a spirited defence of their first trophy for 16 years. Hibs' unbeaten start to the season also ended with the 4-2 defeat by Motherwell. And yet, in a strange way, Hibs might get over this disappointment quite quickly. The chances of this club successfully defending their prize were, frankly, slim. The only thing consistent about Hibs is their inconsistency. Instead, with their next Cup tie not until January, Hibs have a clear run through til New Year to try and amass as many SPL points as possible. The real prize on offer to the Easter Road club this season is a 3rd place League finish, and the UEFA Cup place that comes with it. If Hibs achieve that, this early season disappointment will be long forgotten.

Kilmarnock, meanwhile, have now lost the opportunity to avenge last year's disappointment in the final, where they got comprehensively beat. In fact, their best performance in last year's League Cup came in the semi final against Falkirk, but they no longer have Steven Naismith to run riot as he did in that game. As well as that loss, they are now trying to cope with a worrinngly long injury list.

We'll know who recovers more quickly from their midweek disappointments this weekend - Hibs and Killie face eachother in the SPL this weekend.