Edinburgh's big two set for showdown
By Robbie Forsyth
(Filed: 01/04/2006)

It was the combination of teams most would have wanted to see contest the Scottish Cup itself, but tomorrow's semi-final between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian is so widely regarded as the final before the final that it will have a considerable flavour of that occasion, especially since Hampden Park should be sold out.

The fact that each club still had a few hundred tickets in hand last night should not be taken for a lack of commitment on the part of both sets of fans.

Rightly or wrongly - and the debate has lingered in Edinburgh pubs since the semi-final draw was made - the Scottish Football Association put several obstacles in the way of the many thousands who will travel from the capital and some who will not.

Work on the main rail line between Edinburgh and Glasgow has greatly restricted the number of trains available to transport spectators and the customary weekend roadworks on the M8 motorway add no allure to that route between the cities.

Throw in a 12.15 kick-off and live television coverage and it is clear that the tie does not constitute an inducement to brave the hazards twice in one day, especially since the losers - if the game is not drawn - will have the winners in close proximity on the return journey.

Still, over 170 Hibs buses will make the journey west and Hearts will take about the same number for a tie upon which large consequences hang.

It is astonishing to think that Hibernian have not won the Scottish Cup since 1902. Hearts, of course, mean to keep the trophy away from Easter Road for at least another year, but the Tynecastle side have a more pressing motivation.

If they can add an honour to the club's name this season, it will reflect lustre and credibility to the reputation of Hearts' owner, Vladimir Romanov, whose erratic actions continue to perplex Jambos and outsiders alike.

This game will be the fifth consecutive Edinburgh derby played under different Hearts managers - John Robertson, George Burley, John McGlynn, Graham Rix and now Valdas Ivanauskas.

Ivanauskas yesterday declined to speculate on whether or not success in the cup will make his job more secure. "I do not like that question," he retorted, before addressing the tie itself.

"We have quality but quality alone does not win games. We will have to work hard."

Rudi Skacel, Hearts' Czech midfield player, was accused by Falkirk of diving after last week's meeting of the sides, but Ivanauskas said: "I know there is a lot of pressure for Rudi now, particularly from outside the club with all the media attention on him. But I have been in his situation and I will help him find a way to get back playing and scoring."

Steven Pressley, Andy Webster and Robbie Neilson are all in the Hearts squad after various ailments, but Julian Brellier and Roman Bednar are suspended.

Hibs, meanwhile, wait on Chris Killen, Michael Stewart and Scott Brown to prove their fitness and the Easter Road manager, Tony Mowbray, said: "Nobody will be put at risk. No one who has an injury which could get worse or who could do himself any more damage will be played.

"Sometimes in making decisions you have to take a calculated risk. The only problem with one or two of them is 'have they done enough training?'

"We're playing a side with more resources and a much greater playing pool but it's a challenge we relish. I think this could be a great cup match."

Taken from telegraph.co.uk