Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon hopes Saturday's Hampden heroics can serve as a fitting tribute to late former captain Marius Zaliukas.
The news broke that the Lithuanian, who captained Hearts to the 2012 Scottish Cup, had passed away just as last season's edition of the tournament resumed after an eight-month suspension with the Jambos facing their old Edinburgh rivals Hibs.
Zaliukas' former club were victorious in a 2-1 extra-time win over Jack Ross' side, just as they were when the Lithuanian led them to a memorable 5-1 final win eight years ago.
And Gordon believes the former centre-back would have been proud of Hearts after a battling performance in the swirling Glasgow rain.
The keeper said: "We just found out earlier that afternoon.
"He was a fantastic teammate, I played with him on quite a few occasions, he was such a great defender, a player who had been captain here as well and he was a real leader so it is very sad news.
"Hopefully this result today can pay respects to him because he was a fantastic player and when Hearts won the cup last time, he was here so it is a sad day but I'm pleased we got out there and got a result and I'm sure he would be very proud."
The 37-year-old Gordon denied Hibs on multiple occasions, with a trademark point-blank reflex stop to keep out Kevin Nisbet's header the pick of his saves.
He wasn't needed for the Hibs striker's missed penalty which smashed the woodwork - before Liam Boyce's winner from the spot up the other end - but Gordon's performance had manager Robbie Neilson calling for his reintroduction to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad.
And Gordon said: "I'm always available, I just keep playing the best I can, I'll always be available as long as I'm still a professional footballer and that's all i can do.
"I answer this question so often now, but yeah it's up to him, I'm ready I'm available if he wants to select me."
