Three takeaways from Hibs' 2-2 draw with Dundee United

Ryan Porteous was one of two Hibs players forced off by injury.

Tie lived up to its billing

This showdown was cast as the tie of the fourth round and it didn't disappoint, with both sides playing their part in an exhilarating showdown. Hibs, on the balance of play, will feel they should have booked their place in the fifth round as they produced some excellent attacking play at times but they were unable to add to their one-goal advantage on either occasion. Although they once again failed to hold on to a winning position, on this occasion it was more a case of United doing well to get back into the game rather than the Easter Road side bearing gifts. It could have gone either way in the end, with both sides chasing a winner. Despite the frustration of not winning the tie, Hibs fans can be buoyed by memories of what happened the last time they were held to a 2-2 Scottish Cup draw away to a Robbie Neilson-managed side.

Injury concern

The most damaging aspect of this draw for Hibs was the injuries picked up by defenders Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous. Both players were forced out of the action in the opening 52 minutes and manager Jack Ross appeared concerned afterwards about the extent of their respective knee problems. Hibs ended up with their trusty Scottish Cup-winning 30-somethings David Gray, Lewis Stevenson, Darren McGregor and Paul Hanlon across the back four. As dependable as this quartet are, Ross will be praying the injuries to Naismith and Porteous are not as bad as first feared, otherwise he may be forced into the market for a new defender.

Rampant Boyle

While Florian Kamberi merits mention for a menacing attacking display on the left flank, Martin Boyle was once again Hibs' main man. The winger has found an excellent vein of form since returning from his long-term injury and he is entitled to consider himself unfortunate not to have ended up on the winning side after an excellent display at Tannadice which included a clever assist for Christian Doidge and a brilliant 25-yard strike of his own. He was a constant source of menace to United and after his eye-catching exploits against Aberdeen and Hearts last month, the 26-year-old Australia internationalist - who has evolved into Hibs' most valuable player - looks equipped to go from strength to strength in the remainder of the season.