Hearts 'will sneak Edinburgh derby win against Hibs' in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final, claims ex-player
Former Hearts and Hibs midfielder Paul Hartley has backed the Tynecastle Park side to come out on top in Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final encounter at Hampden.
The Cove Rangers boss scored a hat-trick for the Jam Tarts in 2006 when they defeated their Capital rivals 4-0 at Hampden at the same stage of the competition and ranks the game as one of the best he played in.
Speaking to William Hill, sponsors of the tournament, Hartley said: “I was fortunate that we beat [Hibs] in 2006 but the build-up is great, you just want to go on and play.
“It’s incredible. You can feel it in training all week. There’s a lot of media attention that week on you and it’s a game you don’t want to lose."
Hartley played 43 times for Hibs between 1998 and 2000 but it was his four-season spell across the city where he blossomed, scoring 38 goals in 149 matches and feels the last-four win against Tony Mowbray’s Hibs side overshadows lifting the trophy with Hearts and Celtic.
He added: “Winning the Scottish Cup with Hearts and then Celtic was special, but I think that semi-final game is the one I’ll remember.
“We won 4-0 and I managed to bag a hat-trick. It’s up there as one of the best moments in my career."
Hartley opened the scoring after 28 minutes at the national stadium on April 2 2006 and scored the second on 59 minutes.
Edgaras Jankauskas made it three on 81 minutes shortly after Hibs winger Ivan Sproule was sent off for a stamp on Saulius Mikoliunas, and a penalty two minutes from time allowed Hartley to seal his treble, with Easter Road defender Gary Smith also receiving his marching orders.
Hartley continued: "Winning the league with Celtic was special too, but scoring a hat-trick in a Scottish Cup semi-final, especially against your rivals, is something I’ll never forget.”
Hartley firmly believes Hearts – currently in the Scottish Championship – have what it takes to reach the final.
He said: “Hibs have had a great start to the season. They’re probably ahead in terms of preparation as they’ve played more games, but Hearts have also had a great start.
"I think form goes out the window in these games, and Hearts will just sneak it on Saturday.”