Hearts defender Michael Smith looks back on 2019 Celtic heart-ache and will use pain as inspiration

Michael Smith will use the pain of watching Celtic lift the Scottish Cup in front of Hearts last year as motivation to beat Hibs in this season’s semi-final.

Hearts' Michael Smith takes on Celtic's Mikey Johnston in the 2019 Scottish Cup final.

The two Edinburgh clubs go head-to-head on Saturday at Hampden for the right to face either Aberdeen or Celtic in December’s showpiece.

Hearts made the final last season, and led Celtic 1-0 only for two second-half goals to inflict defeat upon them in Glasgow. Smith played the full match that day and admits that the hurt of losing the match is still there.

"I always have a think about it, what it would be like to win it,” reflected Smith on coming so close last year. “For me it definitely adds a little extra spice to it. I want to go out there and taste that success.

"It wasn't nice to watch Celtic lift the trophy and it would've been nice to lift it myself, but it happened and it makes you a stronger person, a stronger character going through things like that so hopefully I can take it into this weekend."

The Hibs match will feel totally different given the backdrop of no supporters due the coronavirus pandemic. However, Smith thinks the unnatural environment will not affect either team.

"I think we are all used to it by now,” said Smith. “As soon as the first whistle goes, you don't think about anything else but football, whether there are fans or no fans. It doesn't affect the players.

"I think it'll be pretty even. They've started well, we're playing well, it's whoever can handle the pressure on the day usually comes out with the win. Fans or no fans, the pressure is still huge on every player."

Most of Hearts’ matches this term have been played against opposition who sit in and protect their defence. Against Premiership opposition in Hibs, Hearts are expected to have more space and Smith hopes they can prey on any weaknesses.

"We knew against Arbroath last Friday that they were going to sit in and make it hard for us," added Smith, “but Hibs are going to look to attack at every opportunity. They've got a few players that can hurt us and we'll be looking to exploit their weaknesses. It should be a good game.”

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