CORMACK HAS STRONG HEARTS TO MAKE FINAL

PETER CORMACK believes Hearts will emerge victorious from Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final because they will outmuscle Hibs.

The former Easter Road favourite will be an interested spectator and would love to see Tony Mowbray's side end their 104-year cup hoodoo.

But Cormack, a regular in Leith this season, fears that without Garry O'Connor and Derek Riordan Hibs' Scottish Cup wait will run to at least 105 years.

The former midfielder who left Hibs for Liverpool where he won two league championship medals, two UEFA Cup winner's medals and the FA Cup, said: "I think the Hibs fans will be realising this week that O'Connor has gone and Riordan is not going to play.

"If you told any club, even Celtic, Rangers or Hearts, that you are taking away their two front players and you are going to have to play a semi-final without them, it's not the best.

"I'd have to think Hearts are favourites. They'll be stronger but it will just be down to what happens on the day tactically.

"I think it is in Hearts' favour at the moment but I hope Hibs prove me wrong. I watched them on Saturday but I think Hearts have a bit more strength about them."

Cormack, who rejoined Hibs later in his career and became a team-mate of George Best, claims he won't favour either side at the National Stadium although he still has a soft spot for the Easter Road side

He added: "I am a neutral. My dad was a Hearts fan and my loyalties would have been at Hibs or Liverpool, clubs I have played for.

"I certainly hope that if Hibs don't win I see Hearts lifting the Cup.

"I am not one of them who says, 'oh I don't want Hearts to win it'. I just hope that on the day it is a good semi-final for all punters that go through, there is not any trouble and the best team wins."

Cormack signed for Hearts at 15, the first player to join the groundstaff in the 50s, but revealed the lure of Easter Road proved too strong despite his dad being a Jambo.

He added: "Hibs offered to get a house for my mum and dad in Corstorphine so that played a big part in my decision to join."

Taken from the Daily Record