GRANT TIPS HEARTACHE

GRANT MURRAY was a sub when Hearts last lifted the Scottish Cup but he's vowed to play his part in denting their hopes of repeating their 1998 triumph.

The Partick Thistle defender is adamant there will be no sentiment when he lines up at Tynecastle at lunchtime even if it means he'll face the wrath of his Jambo mates.

Despite accepting the smart money is on both Edinburgh clubs winning a place at the Hampden showpiece in May, he's determined to break Hearts today.

Murray said: "I think everyone in Edinburgh has been hoping for a Hearts-Hibs final. Everyone that supports both teams would love to see that but it's not for me.

"Both sets of fans have big expectations of their teams lifting the Scottish Cup but I'm a Partick Thistle fan and we want to stop Hearts getting there.

"There is a belief among Hearts fans that they are going to win the Cup because of the players they have. They want to see silverware back at Tynecastle and the money being invested in their team has given them high expectations.

"Hearts were the last team outwith the Old Firm to win the trophy and the fans have had a taste of it.

"They know what it can do for a non-Old Firmclub and I dare say I will become even more unpopular among friends and family if we win.

"The 1998 final at Celtic Park was afantastic day and it was brilliant to be involved in the run. Giving that success to the Hearts supporters was terrific as well.

"I didn't get on the pitch but I played in some of the previous rounds including the semi-final. My medal is probably the piece of memorabilia I cherish most."

Murray kicked-off his career as a member of the Hearts groundstaff and has looked on with interest during Vladimir Romanov's reign in Gorgie.

After disposing of Inverness in the previous round the former St Johnstone player believes the Jags can go to Edinburgh with real expectation of causing an upset.

Murray said: "I went straight to Hearts from school and had a few good years there but I am a Partick Thistle man now.

"Hearts are in one of those situations that seem to happen more often in football now. A foreigner has come in and has different ideas on how things ought to be run.

"That's their way and they are sitting second in the SPL on merit. They have an experienced squad with international quality players. They are huge favourites and that takes the pressure off us.

"We went into the Caley Thistle game as underdogs and had several chances in the first game even though we scored late to get the replay.

"We were disappointed after that one, though, and that opened our eyes a wee bit. It gave us a good bit of belief. We went ahead in both games and knew we had great unity within our squad.

"People said it was a physical game at Inverness but I didn't think it was any different from the way we normally play.

"A couple of their guys got injured but that's cup football and it's always going to be physical. We have to go to Tynecastle confident we can achieve something."

There will be an exodus from Maryhill this morning as Jags fans head to the capital and Murray would love to give the fans a day to remember.

He said: "This run's reminded us of what we're capable of. This is a big club with a great support. They always turn out in numbers.

"But it is all down to what happens on the pitch and it is up to us to improve things."

Taken from the Daily Record