Hartley: Cup will show we've made it

The sunshine that bathed Edinburgh in unaccustomed warmth yesterday was not confined to Leith, as The Proclaimers' ballad - much beloved by Hibernian fans - claims in its title. Instead, it seemed particularly apt that Tynecastle should bask in temperatures among the warmest in Europe after a season that has seen Hearts secure a Champions League qualifying place and the opportunity to win their first trophy since 1998 when they play Gretna in the Tennents Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park tomorrow.

The Scottish Premier League runners-up spot was the main goal for Vladimir Romanov, Hearts' owner, but there is no question that the fans would dearly love to see the cup brought back to the capital's west end tomorrow night. That would represent the first material success of Romanov's reign and be seen - not just around Gorgie - as a firm signal that the Old Firm's duopoly is being challenged seriously.

The players, too, have silverware in their sights according to Paul Hartley, who orchestrated the destruction of city rivals Hibernian in the semi-finals. "Obviously, Mr Romanov wanted us to reach the Champions League and rightly so because he's put a lot of money into the club and that's where he can get it back, but as players you want to get to cup finals," Hartley said. "We're all looking forward to it and we're desperate for silverware at the club."

Tynecastle accommodates a particularly large foreign contingent and, as has been noted previously in England and Scotland, not all incomers have the British regard for the domestic showpiece finale. Hearts' Scots, however, have not been required to educate their foreign counterparts in this respect.

"There's been no need," Hartley said. "They're all good professionals. They all want the same thing and I'm sure we'll achieve that tomorrow.

"We certainly won't underestimate Gretna. Everybody thinks this will be a one-sided final but we know how things can happen and if our attitude's not spot-on then they will test us. Gretna have absolutely nothing to lose, so we have to be prepared. And if our attitude is right, then we'll win the game.

"I've seen Gretna a number of times this season and played with a few of their lads - Alan Main, Steven Tosh, David Nicholls and John O'Neil - they've got a lot of SPL experience and they'll be no pushovers.

"It would be a huge disappointment if we didn't win but we have players who have great spirit and we'll make sure the cup comes home to Tynecastle tomorrow night."

Hartley's overpowering role in the semi-final derby with Hibs - he scored three of Hearts' four goals - raised expectations for the final, but the player is remaining level-headed. "It's a team game and, hopefully, someone else can steal the limelight this time," he said.

"Everybody in this team is in it for the same thing and I'm sure we'll achieve that tomorrow. If we win it, I think it'll be a greater achievement than in '98 because expectations are higher this time, we've had a lot of problems off the field - three managers in a year - and we've reached the Champions League, so it would be a fair success to bring the cup home."

Whatever the weather holds this weekend, if Hearts' actions match Hartley's words, there is sure to be sunshine on Gorgie.

Taken from telegraph.co.uk