SOME city centre pubs are to close early tomorrow amid fears of trouble when fans return from the crunch Scottish Cup semi-final.

Pubs on Rose Street, as well as many at Easter Road, have opted to avoid any possible trouble and simply shut up shop before the crowds get back from Glasgow.

And other pubs in the Grassmarket and George Street have hired extra security to ensure the troublemakers are kept away from their bars.

It comes as Hibs and Hearts fans were warned to leave plenty of time to travel to the game as an estimated 40,000 fans head west.

The majority of fans are heading to the game by road and traffic on the M8 is expected to be very heavy with the approaches to Hampden Park also expected to clog up quickly.

Police chiefs in Glasgow also today warned a bylaw prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in public places will be strictly enforced around the stadium.

In Edinburgh, many pubs have admitted they are not sure what to expect, with some hopeful that the fans will all come back in the mood for a good-natured celebration - whatever the score.

The police have already said they will be out in numbers to deal with the fans going to and coming from Hampden.

Breck's on Rose Street is one of a handful pubs, including the Rose Street Brewery, closing at 5pm on Sunday to avoid any potential flashpoints.

Brecks assistant manager Will Drummond said: "We are closing because we have heard a lot of bad reports from previous derby games.

"Some people say there will be no sign of trouble at all but generally there is a feeling amongst the pub owners here that it might not be worth the risk of opening up."

Daniel Bee, manager of Bar 38 on George Street, said: "We will have extra security on the door. We are not expecting to get huge crowds along here as we are not really a football pub, but it is a precaution we felt we should take."

Others in the area are not so concerned, however, and Alan McKellar, duty manager of Dirty Dicks pub in Rose Street, said: "We don't allow football colours in so that can stop a lot of the troublemakers.

"There will be a massive police presence around Rose Street so we are not concerned about crowd trouble."

And despite several bars on Easter Road closing their doors after concerns about football violence, the Iona Bar was staying open and expected to have big day as a result.

Staff member Karen McDougall said: "We will be open all day and I certainly hope it is a good crowd, and a good score. We're not expecting to get any trouble, we always have football crowds in and it's normally fine."

Around 3000 fans will make the trip by rail, including four football specials, and hundreds of fans are staying over in Glasgow ahead of tomorrow's 12.15pm kick-off.

Both sets of fans travelling by road have been allocated different parts of the area around Hampden to park in.

But Hearts fans will be hit by delays in the Shawlands area of Glasgow because of road closures.

Minard Road is closed because of work to a railway bridge and a diversion route is in place but police are warning that delays may occur.

Neil Greig, head of policy with the AA, said: "Our advice to supporters travelling by road would be give yourselves plenty of time to get through to Glasgow.

"There are no major roadworks between Edinburgh and Glasgow so travel along the M8 should be fine but it is never predictable.

"The extra trains are a welcome measure and fans should make use of them if they can.

"Parking at Hampden can be difficult at the best of times so make sure enough time is allowed for that as well."

Police chiefs in Edinburgh are also warning the Capital's roads are likely to be congested with fans travelling to and from the big match.

A spokesman said: "We anticipate that there will be thousands of vehicles, such as cars and coaches, leaving Edinburgh from around 8am on Sunday morning.

"Traffic will be heavier than expected for a Sunday morning and we anticipate a similar problem in the afternoon from around 3pm onwards as fans return to the Capital.

"There will be heavy congestion on the approach roads to the west of the city, particularly the M8, and we would advise people to remain patient if they get stuck in any queues.

"There will be a heavy police presence in the city centre on Sunday to ensure that people can go about their normal Sunday business as usual."

Experts on the city's football casuals from the Lothian and Borders force are liaising with Strathclyde Police to ensure any troublemakers are picked out when they get to Glasgow. And Chief Superintendent Robin Howe, the senior officer in charge of the derby clash, has warned fans that drinking bylaws and a ban on booze on buses and trains will be strictly enforced.

He said: "It is an exciting time for the fans and my priority is their safety, that of the public and to make sure everyone gets to the ground to enjoy the match and then get home safely.

"Hearts fans travelling to the city by special football train from Slateford will arrive at Central Station, from there, in order to ensure a smooth transition, fans will be ushered immediately on to another train to Mount Florida. The vast majority of people attending football matches do so to enjoy themselves.

"However, be assured that anyone intent on causing disorder will be dealt with.

"I would also remind everyone that there are bylaws in place prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in public places and that alcohol and controlled containers of any kind - cans or bottles - are not allowed in the stadium."

The four "specials" trains hired to shuttle 1700 supporters to the match are virtually sold out.

Only three regular services, which will accommodate around 1500 fans, are due to leave Waverley Station during the morning for Glasgow.

Train tickets will be allocated on a "first-come-first-served" basis and additional supporters will be turned away.

Supporters will be asked to queue up for train tickets which are to be allocated on the morning of the tie.

A spokesman for First ScotRail urged fans to turn up early for the scheduled services.

He said: "We would advise people to get to the station early to avoid disappointment because tickets will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis.

"It would also be sensible for supporters and members of the public to make alternative arrangements in case they do not get on to the trains going to Glasgow."

Taken from the Scotsman