Hartley: Cool heads will win Hibs-Hearts final

The midfielder has played for both Hearts and Hibs and believes that the outcome of this weekend’s clash is too tough to call.

However Hartley, now Alloa manager, says that the team which copes with the cauldron of noise at Hampden will give themselves the best shot of winning the trophy.

Hartley knows what he is talking about, having bagged a hat-trick in Hearts’ 4-0 semi-final defeat of Hibs in the same competition six years ago. The Jambos went on to win the final against Gretna in 2006 and Hartley said: “It should be a cracking game and it’s a tough one to call. Most people will say that Hearts are the favourites because of the season Hibs have had but form will go out of the window.

“It will come down to who wants it most and who keeps a cool head.

“There will be a brilliant atmosphere but the players will be nervous and whoever manages to stay calm will give themselves the best chance.”