Jon Daly says Hearts must find a new derby hero to beat Hibs

Hearts must unearth a new hero to beat Hibs and satisfy supporters seeking a Scottish Cup final place at the expense of their greatest rivals.

Former Hearts coach Jon Daly hopes his old club reach the Scottish Cup final.

That is the view of former Riccarton coach Jon Daly ahead of the all-Edinburgh semi-final at Hampden Park this Saturday.

Hearts won 3-1 when the teams last met in the league at Easter Road in March. Howerver, their three goalscorers that night have since left Tynecastle Park – Sean Clare, Oliver Bozanic and Conor Washington.

With wingers Josh Ginnelly and Jordan Roberts rated doubtful, Daly believes it could be time for a new favourite to emerge.

“There are players in the changing room who have played in these games and had success. They know what it means to the fans, to everyone at the club, when they win this game,” said Daly.

“If you add in the fact that it’s a Scottish Cup semi-final and an opportunity to get to a final, it’s a massive, massive game for them.

“There will be players in the changing room that haven’t played in this fixture before and haven’t experienced it.

“When you look at the last game, the goalscorers – Washington, Bozanic, Clare – are no longer at the club. They’re going to have to find a new hero to try and win the game.”

Daly added that Hibs’ top-flight status does not mean they are under more pressure than their Capital neighbours.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say all the pressure is on them. The Hearts fans will be demanding that Hearts go out and get a result, and they’ll expect that their team is capable and able to perform in the Premiership.

“Robbie Neilson has tried to recruit players not just to get out of the Championship, but to push on and kick on once they do get back to the Premiership.

“He wants to have that continuity where players have played together for a season, try and get promoted and then kick on once they do.

“In terms of league standings, if Hearts were to win, then the fans would have the bragging rights because they’re classed as a Championship side now. To beat a Premiership side would be great.”

• Jon Daly was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.

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