DREAM FINAL IS STILL ON

RELIEVED Graham Rix was glad Hearts avoided Hibs in yesterday's Cup quarter-final draw - because he wants to end the season with a capital showdown at Hampden.

The Edinburgh giants were paired together in rehearsals for the draw but stayed apart when names were plucked out the hat for real.

Rix's troops now face Inverness or Partick Thistle at home while Tony Mowbray's Hibees travel to either Falkirk or Ross County.

And both capital sides are now favourites to meet each other in the final for only the second time.

Their last Hampden showdown was 110 years ago when Hearts won 3-1 and Rix (below) said: "I was sweating a bit because Hearts and Hibs didn't come out of the hat until near the end.

"It would be great for the city if we both got to the final.

"Hibs are a good side and their result at Ibrox was fantastic. I'm pleased for them - if I can be pleased for our rivals!

"But as long as Hearts are in the final come May that's all that matters.

"I'm just glad to have a home draw. It doesn't worry me that we are being tagged as favourites to win the cup."

Partick Thistle gaffer Dick Campbell is desperate to finish off Falkirk in Tuesday's replay and line up a money-spinning clash with the Jambos.

He reckons the cash from a trip to Tynecastle would let every player at Firhill go full-time next season.

Campbell said: "We could make some serious money if we get past Inverness.

"We still have a few part-time players but a game at Tynecastle would mean they could go full-time next year.

"We would bring a huge crowd to Edinburgh and it would be a massive occasion for us - we could start laying real foundations."

Two minnows are guaranteed a place in the semis after Hamilton or Alloa were paired with Airdrie or Dundee and Clyde or Gretna drew Spartans or St Mirren.

And Clyde hitman Tom Brighton reckons his side can WIN the Cup now the Old Firm are out. He said: "Hearts and Hibs will fancy themselves but there are no teams for us to fear."

Taken from the Sunday Mail