DERBY HEALS CUP DISAPPOINTMENT

Hearts head coach John Robertson believes Wednesday's Edinburgh derby is the perfect opportunity for his side and Hibernian to put the events of the weekend behind them.

Hearts and Hibs both missed out on a place in the Tennent's Scottish Cup final after losing to Celtic and Dundee United respectively.

For both clubs' supporters, the weekend was a painful one and the respective groups of players are also coming to terms with the fact a day out at Hampden at the end of the season will not be theirs.

Instead, both must now focus on the bread and butter of the domestic campaign.

And with the third capital-city derby of the season having a potentially crucial bearing on which side claims the remaining UEFA Cup spot, Robertson feels it is the ideal way to forget the disappointments of Saturday and Sunday.

He said: "The mood in our camp has been great.

"There was obviously disappointment after Sunday's result but you have to look on quickly and it is wiped out because we have a massive Edinburgh Derby.

"Everyone is looking forward to it.

"The training has been very brisk, to say the least, in the last few days and there is no doubt about it, we will be ready.

"I think it is ideal for both teams because you can't dwell on the weekend now.

"No disrespect, but if it had been any other side outside the Old Firm or perhaps Aberdeen, then you can maybe get distracted slightly or still feel sorry for yourself.

"The fact that it is your oldest rivals and the fact it has consequences as regards the UEFA Cup spot then I think, for both teams, it is probably the perfect match to come back into."

Hearts could move to within two points of their city neighbours in the Bank of Scotland Premier League if they win the clash at Tynecastle, which would set up a pulsating climax to the season.

Close to a full-house is expected, with Robertson facing up to Tony Mowbray in the rival dug-out for only the second time - the first ending in a 1-1 draw at Easter Road last time around.

Despite the obvious divisions between the two outfits, Robertson has nothing but admiration for what Englishman Mowbray has achieved on the other side of the capital this term.

But he will not expect his charges to show too much respect when they cross the white line.

"We'll pick a team we feel is right to play against Hibs, they have some very dangerous players," he said.

"They have had a great season and some of their football has been top drawer but we are still in there and, as much as we respect them, we want to go and win the match.

"We are at home and the onus is on us to have a real go. In an Edinburgh-derby game, that is what both teams do anyway so it all points to being an absolute cracker."

Taken from sportinglife.com