All-Edinburgh final remains a real possibility

TWO sides from outside the SPL will book a place in the semi-finals of the Tennent's Scottish Cup after Saturday's draw for the quarter-finals - the first since 1987 which didn't involve either of the Old Firm.

Cup favourites Hearts have been given a home draw against Partick or Inverness, while Hibernian - seeking to end their 104-year drought in the tournament - travel to Ross County or Falkirk. The draw keeps alive the prospect of a first all-Edinburgh cup final since 1896 when Hearts beat Hibs 3-1 at Logie Green, the only occasion the final was held outside Glasgow.

Spartans or St Mirren, who play again next Tuesday, will travel to face Clyde or Gretna. Hamilton or Alloa will host Dundee or Airdrie United in the other tie certain to yield a non-SPL semi-finalist.

Fourth-round replays: Tomorrow: Alloa v Hamilton (7.30pm). Tuesday, 14 February: Dundee v Airdrie United (7.45); Gretna v Clyde (7.45); Ross County v Falkirk (7.45); Partick Thistle v Inverness Caledonian Thistle (7.30); St Mirren v Spartans (7.45).

Latest odds (to win Scottish Cup, William Hill): 11-10 Hearts; 9-4 Hibernian; 7-1 Inverness; 12 Falkirk; 14 Gretna, St Mirren; 25 Hamilton; 33 Dundee, Clyde; 40 Airdrie United; 50 Partick; 66 Ross County; 250 Alloa Athletic; 1500 Spartans.

Taken from the Scotsman