Hearts boss Robbie Neilson sends strong message over Scottish Cup semi final clash with Hibs

The semi final has been a key 'driver' for the Tynecastle side

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson dismissed any notion that the Scottish Cup semi-final with Hibs should be pushed back.

It was confirmed that the Capital rivals will meet at Hampden Park on Halloween evening with a 5pm kick-off.

With the latest Scottish Government restrictions, there is every likelihood the game, which is being shown on Premier Sports and BBC, will be played without fans in attendance.

Robbie Neilson can't wait to face Hibs in the Scottish Cup semi final. Picture: SNS

Due to the situation there have been questions in some quarters whether it is right for the semi finals to go ahead as planned, with Aberdeen facing Celtic in the other.

Back in May, the Scottish FA president and former Hibs chairman Rod Petrie suggested the semi final fixtures could even be played next year to ensure there were supporters at the stadium.

Easter Road boss Jack Ross recently backed the game to go ahead and Tynecastle boss Neilson followed suit.

When asked if the thought it should be moved "not at all” was the answer. There was no hesitation in his voice as he expressed his desire to face Hibs next month.

“We are looking forward to it," he said, “and it’s been one of the drivers for us all the way through pre-season. We knew we had to be ready for that game.

"Hibs have been playing for months now and we need to make sue we take these games seriously, as we did on Saturday.”

The Tynecastle side are outsiders to lift the 2020 Scottish Cup at 9/1 with sponsors William Hill. Hibs are 5/1 to win the trophy in December.