Pressure is all on Hibs now

By ROBERT MARTIN
Published: 3 hrs ago

JIMMY SANDISON has backed Hearts to race to more Scottish Cup glory — even though he claims they are rank outsiders.

The former Jambos defender reckons today’s capital clash is the first in YEARS where the Easter Road outfit go in as big favourites.

However he also believes that could have a negative effect on Pat Fenlon’s side.

Hibs fans are desperate to see their side gain revenge for their 5-1 Cup Final hammering by the Jambos back in May.

And Sandison is not convinced the Irishman’s side will handle that pressure.

He told SunSport: “For the first time in years Hearts are huge underdogs.

“I know a lot of Hibs supporters who have been happily telling me their home form has been good and they have a better feeling about their team this season.

“They have a centre-forward scoring goals, which I’d love to have at Hearts at the minute because we are a bit shot-shy now.

“So they have to go into the game as huge favourites.

“But that means all the pressure is on Hibs, and it will be interesting to see how they cope with that.

“They could get too involved — and that might help Hearts.

“Leigh Griffiths has settled down and matured at Hibs this season.

“But I have no doubt the Hearts fans will go there and try to intimidate him and get into his head.

“If they can avoid that and stick to their gameplan, Hibs have a real chance to go on and win.”

Sandison admits the battle between red-hot striker Griffiths and Marius Zaliukas and Andy Webster could decide the game.

He added: “Hearts have relied on those two for a period of time and they have been fantastic.

“If they can keep Leigh quiet they’ll have an opportunity.

“But it’s all about how the management pick up this battered Hearts team from the midweek defeat by Celtic.

“If they can get the confidence back, they have not become a bad side overnight.

“John McGlynn will get the guys up for it and they’ll know Hibs’ weaknesses and strengths.

“It’s a Scottish Cup tie against your rivals at Easter Road. They shouldn’t need to motivate anyone, the players should be up for it.”

Sandison is one of several ex-Jambos involved in the 1874 fighting fund set up by club legend Gary Mackay.

Fellow ex-players Paul Hartley, Steven Pressley, Gilles Rousset and Stephane Adam and QPR boss Harry Redknapp have all pledged their support.

SunSport columnist and die-hard Jambo Eilidh Child has become the latest.

She said: “When the statement came out from the club it was horrible, it was like someone had kicked you in the guts.”