Hibernian happy to get physical with Hearts in Scottish Cup, says Dylan McGeouch  

Dylan McGeouch has insisted his Hibs side will not be bullied by city rivals Hearts after the teams were paired together in the stand-out tie of the Scottish Cup fifth round.

Hearts have had to defend themselves from accusations they are overly physical, with head coach Robbie Neilson last week insisting they were no different than any other side.

But ahead of their mouthwatering encounter at Tynecastle next month, Hibs midfielder McGeouch claimed Alan Stubbs’ men now have the strength to deal with anything Hearts throw at them.

Dylan McGeouch has insisted his Hibs side will not be bullied by city rivals Hearts in the Scottish Cup 

‘We’re better equipped to face a team like Hearts,’ he said. ‘When teams wanted to get physical with us last season we didn’t cope with it well enough, but we’ ve been able to win ugly this season.

‘On our day, when we get the ball down, we’re a match for anyone. I’d like to repeat our run of last season in the Scottish Cup (to the semi-final) but go one better. Hearts and ourselves have both made changes from last season. I really enjoyed the derby games I played in last term. There was a lot of good football and the game in a few weeks won’t be any different.

‘If it ends up a physical game, we’ve got that steel in our team and ability can take over after that.’

As a Premiership club with home advantage, Hearts will start as clear favourites in the tie.

But, having already dispatched Aberdeen in the League Cup, McGeouch feels Hibs can yet take a huge scalp as they aim to lift the old trophy for the first time since 1902.

‘It’s a great draw and everyone involved will be buzzing,’ he added. ‘It’s an opportunity of a derby away day at Tynecastle and we’re looking forward to it.

‘A lot of people will see this as the tie of the round as the derby catches the imagination.

‘We are all excited about it and it’s a chance to put down a marker. We’ve been doing well this season and the Cup is a good opportunity for us.

‘We had a good run last season and got to Hampden. It’s great for the fans and everyone involved with the club to get a good Cup run.

‘We’ve got the League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone to look forward to at the end of the month and then we’re back at Tynecastle the following week.

Hearts boss coach Robbie Neilson last week insisting they were no different than any other side 

‘It’s a huge couple of games for us. I wasn’t at the club when we lost 5-1 in the Final. I don’t think the fans want to talk about it too much!

‘It was long before my time and most of the squad, so I don’t think that will have any bearing at all on this tie.

‘We’ve beaten Premiership opposition this season. Aberdeen were flying when they came to us and we got a good result, so we know what we’re capable of against the top teams.’

Hearts striker Gavin Reilly admitted he has never even been to an Edinburgh derby, but the former Queen of the South man knows exactly what awaits anyone lucky enough to score the winner in this one.

‘Everyone is saying they miss the Celtic versus Rangers derby but this one is up there, especially for the folk in Edinburgh,’ he said. ‘When you walk around the city you realise how big it is.

‘I’m just looking forward to it and, hopefully, it can live up to the occasion. I’ve not been to one before, but I’ve seen them on the telly. It’s definitely hell for leather.

‘You could come on for a minute, score a goal and become a hero forever. That’s what you want to do — and they boys at Hibs will be the same.

‘You can go down in to folklore. You need to go into every game wanting to win but you get that extra motivation when you are involved in such a big occasion.’

Darren McGregor (left) celebrates Paul Hanlon and Dylan McGeouch (right) after his goal against Raith 

With a nod to the famous 2012 Final, when Hearts scored five to Hibernian’s single response, Reilly said: ‘Since I’ve been here a lot of people ask to get ‘5-1’ on things they want signed.

‘I remember watching that game and it must have been such a great achievement to do that against the club’s rivals.

‘It would be great to win 5-1 again, but I’d take 1-0 and a place in the next round right now.

‘The rest of the Hearts fans would be happy with that as well. It’s all about going to work the next day and having bragging rights over your mates.

‘We are confident at the moment. We are at home and it’s going to be a great atmosphere. We want to beat them and get to the next round of the Cup.

‘When it got down to the last four balls and one more got drawn, I just thought: “Hearts and Hibs are still in there... this is going to happen”. I saw on Twitter that we got drawn together in the mock draw, so it’s scary how it happened.

‘It is a great tie to be involved in, definitely the tie of the round and everyone will be really looking forward to it. It’s got everything. It could be a great game.

‘They are doing well in the Championship, as are we in the Premiership and, while there is that gap in leagues, it is a derby. ‘It’s anyone’s game — but I think we can go on and win it because we are playing well.’