EXHIBIT 23.4


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We have issued our report dated May 23, 1997, on the consolidated financial
statements of SparBank, Incorporated and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and
for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1996, included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended
December 31, 1997. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our
report in the First Midwest Bancorp Registration Statement on Form S-8
pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Non-Qualified Retirement Plan.

                               /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP



Chicago, Illinois
September 4, 1998