By Richard Winton

AMID all the plans Tony Mowbray will have prepared in his attempt to outwit a fifth different manager in the last five Edinburgh derbies at Hampden this afternoon, the one commodity his young side are often perceived to be lacking – experience – could on this occasion be their most potent weapon.

Just under a year ago, Hibs were 17 minutes from the Scottish Cup final and leading an impotent Dundee United 1-0 courtesy of a Derek Riordan penalty. Three minutes later, Jason Scotland put Gordon Chisholm’s side 2-1 ahead and catapulted the Tannadice club into the final and the Uefa Cup.

Sitting in the Hampden dressing room in the wake of that defeat, the Easter Road tyros should have learned some harsh lessons about the fickle fortunes of football. Today they return to the national stadium for the first time in their bid to end a 104-year wait for the trophy.

“We need to feed off last season’s semi-final,” Mowbray said. “It was a disappointing occasion because I think for long spells we controlled the match before a couple of quick goals turned it round. I think you’ve got to use the feelings you have in the dressing room after a match like that and make sure you don’t go back to that. I don’t have to remind them of it because when they sit in that dressing room again they’ll remember the disappointment and the emptiness they felt.”

Failure this afternoon would be even harder to take, though. As a consequence of the early exits of Celtic and Rangers – and most of their Premierleague peers – the tie has rarely been out of the spotlight since the draw was made.

While acknowledging that the depth of interest is well-intentioned, Mowbray is concerned that it could be detrimental to his players’ performances.

“I think it’s important that we try to dampen the occasion because our strengths as a team are not necessarily scrapping for our corner,” added the Hibs manager.

“If they’re not relaxed, not confident and not looking forward to it then it could take something away from our game. We need to get into the right frame of mind to enjoy the occasion. Hopefully the intensity of the game doesn’t affect the spectacle of the day.”

While his fears may have some legitimacy, greater concern could be feasibly be attached to the Easter Road side’s recent form. One victory in their last six league matches has left Hibs seven points adrift of third place – potentially 10 by the end of this afternoon, with Rangers facing Dundee United – and perhaps the only Uefa Cup place available in the SPL.

It appears increasingly likely that overcoming Hearts and keeping their nerve to triumph in the final will be their only route into continental competition next season.

Even that might not be straightforward given Hibs’ recent past.

They were favourites in the 2004 CIS Cup final against administration-haunted Livingston – as they were for last season’s semi-final – but, in front of an expectant support, simply failed to turn up on the big occasion. Football is an unforgiving profession and once a reputation is earned it is difficult to shake off, as Mowbray and his players might discover if they succumb to another Hampden defeat.

As if those pressures were not sufficient, the sense of importance is further heightened by a suspicion that time may be being called on this current incarnation of Hibs.

It’s hardly possible for Rangers and, to an extent, Celtic, to be any weaker next season while Vladimir Romanov – agree with his methods or not – will ensure Hearts are at least as strong a proposition as they have been this term. Hibs, on the other hand, are almost certain to suffer further fragmentation with Riordan joining Gary Caldwell and the already departed Garry O’Connor in leaving Leith.

It may be, then, that opportunities to end the excessive wait for Scottish Cup success will not come any better – a fact compounded by the consequences of allowing Hearts the chance to win it for the second time in eight seasons.

Departing captain Caldwell – like the rest of his colleagues – is aware how important lifting the trophy in May would be to the supporters. The history of the Easter Road club is littered with great players and sides who failed to break the hex in the tournament, and the Scotland international is determined not to leave for Celtic in the summer without some reward for his perseverance.

“You could become a part of the club’s history,” Caldwell said, his gaze straying towards the awards in the Easter Road directors’ lounge.

“It would be a lot easier to leave on that note than it would be if the season finishes like a damp squib.

“What I want to do is leave here having done something – to be part of a team that was successful – and we’re not far away from doing that. I’ve dreamt about lifting the trophy a few times but you’ve got to pinch yourself because there’s still a lot of football to be played. It’s going to be very tough but it would be a perfect way to leave and it’s something that I want for the fans as much as I want for myself.”

If this afternoon goes to plan, and the lessons of the past two seasons have been learned, Caldwell may well be in a position to offer the fans that parting gift.

Taken from the Sunday Herald