HEARTS skipper Steven Pressley revealed he almost took Paul Hartley off free-kicks because he had hardly scored all season.

Elvis is savouring the prospect of leading his team out at Hampden in the Cup Final as he bids for his first trophy success in eight years at Tynecastle.

He will miss Wednesday night's SPL crunch at Celtic Park after sustaining his second bout of concussion in eight days as his team swatted Hibs aside with a comfortable 4-0 win in the semi-final.

The Scotland star almost had to be held down as he was so desperate to lead his side out after the break following a clash of heads with Hibs striker Abdessalam Benjelloun on the stroke of half-time.

But at least sitting on the sidelines gave him the chance to savour Hartley's stunning free-kick that put the Jambos on easy street as Hibs lost the plot.

Former Hibee Hartley took advantage of Zibi Malkowski's poor defensive organisation to swing his set-piece round the one-man wall and into the net at the near post.

Elvis cheered the crucial second goal in 58 minutes after bashfully admitting he was ready to demote Hartley and Rudi Skacel earlier in the week and take all free-kicks himself.

He said: "You might laugh but I was taking free-kicks in training on Thursday and told Rudi and Paul it was time I had an opportunity to take them for good.

"After all, they had only scored one goal between them all season from set-pieces but Paul certainly answered my criticism in fine fashion.

"I'm so proud to be captain of this club on a special day such as this. From the moment we began to draw near Hampden in the team bus the scenes around the streets were amazing.

"It was very emotional, our fans were out in their thousands and the support they gave us was terrific.

"Like myself, they have waited eight years for the chance to go to the Scottish Cup Final and it's going to be very special."

Elvis was knocked out seven days earlier in the 2-1 win at Falkirk and was again in the wars to such an extent the Hearts doc refused to let him to play in the second half.

Pressley will miss the game at Parkhead as the Jambos bid to cement second place in the SPL and the prospect of Champions League football next term.

He said: "The doctor decided for me. I was determined to play on but the doc said it was impossible. There was no way he could take the risk after I suffered two bouts of concussion in a week.

"I didn't agree with him at the time but I had to respect his decision. I was upset at having to come off at half-time but I my health is much more important than any football game in the bigger picture, regardless of the importance of the match.

"I also had a loss of memory for a split second but thankfully this time, unlike last week, stitches were not needed."

Full-back Robbie Neilson admits Hearts have put the festivities on hold after knocking 12 goals past their arch-rivals in three emphatic wins already this season.

He also paid tribute to the 22,500 Hearts fans who packed their end of Hampden despite the early kick-off on a Sunday.

Neilson said: "There is a big game at Celtic on Wednesday so it's not as if we'll be out partying after this result.

"There was a lot of pressure on us in the run-up, a lot of hype, but we'd rather be palying these big matches than not at all.

"We have made the Final and it's an achievement but it will mean nothing if we don't go on and win it.

"It would be great for Mr Romanov to see us win the Cup because he has invested in a lot of quality players and hopefully will see the rewards.

"It would also be great for the fans. I couldn't believe how many were here so early to cheer us on. They spent a lot of money coming here and we did not want to send them home disappointed."

'Paul answered my criticism in fine fashion'

Taken from the Daily Record