Hughes urges Falkirk to win mental battle at Tynecastle

angus wright
FALKIRK manager John Hughes has warned his side they will have to be "mentally tough" if they are to emerge victorious from their Homecoming Scottish Cup encounter at Hearts.
As a former Hibernian player, Hughes has experienced on many occasions just how tough a venue Tynecastle can be for visiting teams.

He expects it to be no different as he tries to steer his Falkirk side, who are second bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, to a quarter-final place with a victory in Gorgie. However, he insists his players will relish the atmosphere created at one of Scottish football's most intimidating grounds.

And he has urged them to ensure they enjoy the trip to the capital by staying resolute and giving themselves a chance to progress past their high- flying opponents.

He said: "We've been to Tynecastle that many times over the last four years that all the boys are used to it. It's a venue you enjoy going to play in because the fans are right on top of you and there's always a great atmosphere. But it can be quite an intimidating place and we'll be underdogs.

"We're really looking forward to it but we know how difficult it's going to be. They're a good side and there's always been good games between us.

"We'll give Hearts every respect they deserve but we will go there and give it a go.

"We'll have to be mentally tough and resolute in what we're doing. We have to be ready for anything that gets thrown at us and if we do that then hopefully we can go on in the competition."

Falkirk picked up a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Aberdeen last weekend, their first against the Dons for 15 years and a first victory in the league since November.

Hughes believes the recent recruitment of former Scotland defender Steven Pressley has played a big part in their revival and the 35-year-old will be an important figure again on his return to old club Hearts.

Hughes added: "I've seen since Elvis came to the club that Darren Barr is probably back to his best, and that is encouraging.

"Tam Scobbie played on the left side of him against Motherwell and was possibly man of the match until he picked up an injury.

"That is encouraging as well. I can see the influence of him rubbing off all through the club."

Taken from the Scotsman