Michael Smith insists it’s always an achievement to beat Hibs, regardless of which league either of the capital clubs are in.
Hearts head to Hampden seeking their third win over their bitter rivals at the national stadium in 14 years, having drubbed them at the same stage in 2006 and recorded their greatest ever result in the final six years later.
The Jambos were favourites on both occasions, although now go into the Scottish Cup last four encounter as a Championship side, with the Hibees sitting third in the Premiership table.
That will likely make Jack Ross’ men slight favourites, but Smith doesn’t place any extra significance on the clubs not being in the same division - he just loves winning Edinburgh derbies.
“It’s always an achievement in our eyes to beat Hibs,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if we’re a league below or wherever they are in the league or whatever.
“It’s always a great day when we beat them.
“They’ve played a lot more competitive games than us but we’ve played quite a few friendlies.
“We’re fit and we’re ready to go. There’s one or two niggles to get over this week but we’ll be as fit as them and match them 100 per cent.”
