90 mins that could tell us if Hibs have finally got it off Pat
Chance for Irishman to swing it

By ROGER HANNAH
Published: 3 hrs ago

THIS is Pat Fenlon’s big chance.

It has probably come around quicker than even he could have predicted.

Only a year into the job, just six months after his Hampden humiliation. This afternoon can truly be the making of him as manager of Hibs.

For some, it’s JUST a Scottish Cup fourth round tie.

For Fenlon, this could be the most important 90 minutes of his career. Not only does it offer an opportunity to avenge the 5-1 embarrassment of last season’s Cup Final, it also grants him a golden chance to plunge Hearts even deeper into decline.

It’s a chance to emphasise a power swing in Edinburgh which Hibs fans have long awaited.

You’d not have put too much on such a turn of events when the Salt ‘n’ Sauce Final turned sour for Hibees. The only thing more obscene than Fenlon’s gesture to Jambos fans was his side’s shambolic attempts at defending.

After a narrow escape from the jaws of relegation, the Final fiasco left Hibs in a pit of despair.

When they opened this campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Tannadice, I suggested Fenlon had taken to the SPL like a duck to Guinness but the Irishman would be entitled to a pint of the black stuff tonight if he can hammer Hearts into submission.

Of course, few are fooled into believing that he is presiding over some kind of Turnbull-esque renaissance.

Hibs are still too dependent on the goals of on-loan striker Leigh Griffiths for that. Defeats in Dingwall and Dundee prove they’re still prone to awful off days.

Last weekend’s home slump to Aberdeen even spoiled an impressive record at Easter Road.

But Fenlon deserves credit for solving many of the flaws so cruelly exposed at Hampden last May.

Ben Williams is Hibs’ best keeper for some time, while Ryan McGivern and Paul Cairney also look decent recruits. The transformation of David Wotherspoon, Jorge Claros and Eoin Doyle has also been remarkable.

Hibs still provide the main threat to Celtic in the SPL title race. Even in this tightest of league seasons, there’s no way they’ll be sucked into another bottom-six scrap. Frankly, none of that will matter come 3.30pm today as Hibs fans focus on only one objective.

Hitting Hearts when they’re down.

Down the Jambos most certainly are.

Hampden heroes Rudi Skacel, Ian Black and Craig Beattie are long gone. David Templeton, too.

Their new boss John McGlynn has chucked kids like Callum Paterson, Kevin McHattie, Dylan McGowan, Jamie Walker and Jason Holt into the firing line. Players haven’t been paid on time. Many creditors haven’t been paid at all.

Vlad’s henchmen have shaken the begging bowl like never before. They have warned of impending closure, pleaded for handouts.

Incredibly, they’re now asking for more donations so McGlynn can have some new players when the transfer window opens next month and all done with the class and dignity of a glamour model taking a shower in the jungle.

There was always going to be a tipping point for Jambos fans. Memories of that victory over Hibs in Glasgow last May would only sustain them so far.

All credit to them for digging so deep. For many, the donations must have been made through gritted teeth.

They’re not stupid. They know Vlad is playing them.

They know if the squad gets any younger, McGlynn could hand out win bonuses in Rainbow Drops.

So far, they’ve heeded every plea for help. They just about accepted the 4-0 battering meted out by champs-elect Celts on Wednesday.

But having their grip on the Cup loosened by their most bitter rivals today may be a step too far.

Vlad won’t care. He’s not even bothered to jet in to smooth furrowed brows and calm anxious nerves during this latest drama.

If Hibs turn that drama into a crisis, maybe he’d be as well staying in his Kaunas bolt-holt.

That’s where Fenlon comes in.

A home win today will banish some of the pain of Hampden and have Hibs fans partying like it’s 1902. It might be time for Rod Petrie to put the Guinness on ice.