Davis Cup: Murrays bid to complete an unusual double challenge

Andy and Jamie Murray are trying to help Great Britain defeat France in the Davis Cup this week — and inspire Hibernian’s return to the top flight of Scottish football.

While there is little synergy behind this double challenge, the Murrays are desperate to ensure both become a reality.

The Cup quarter-final at Queen’s Club starts tomorrow and Andy must win his two singles matches to give Britain a real chance of making the last four of the World Group, while Wimbledon finalist Jamie has to bring his doubles expertise to the Saturday rubber alongside either his brother or Dominic Inglot.

The Murrays are big Hibs fans and their grandfather, Roy Erskine, played for the Edinburgh side in the 1950s. They have also visited the club’s training facilities and yesterday the favour was returned, with Hibs boss Alan Stubbs and two of his backroom staff watching GB captain Leon Smith put his players through training.

Smith said: “It was great to have them here and Alan had some great footballing tales to tell.”

During their visit to the Scottish Championship club, the Murrays spoke to the players about their careers.

Stubbs said: “Andy has an aura about him. When you have been as high as No 2 in the world, you have something about you. He is an inspirational figure. It came across, the sacrifices he was prepared to make to be the best.

“To hear someone say that in front of this group of players was important because sometimes as players you take things for granted.”