Hearts Hampden hero Paul Hartley is tipping his former club to dump Hibs out of the Scottish Cup and play Celtic in the final.
Saturday sees a repeat of the 2006 semi-final with the capital clubs going head-to-head in Glasgow.
Hartley, who played for all four of this weekend’s semi-finalists, was the man of the moment 14 years ago, putting Hibs to the sword with a hat-trick as Hearts thumped their greatest rivals 4-0 to set up a final date with Gretna.
Saturday isn’t likely to be as one-sided either way, but with Celtic or Aberdeen facing the winners, Hartley is tipping ex-teammate Robbie Neilson to guide his side through to the showpiece occasion on 20 December, and believes it’ll be his other former club joining them.
“Hibs have had a great start to the season,” he said. “They’re probably ahead in terms of preparation as they’ve played more games, but Hearts have also had a great start. I think form does go out the window in these games.
“I’m going to go for Hearts, I think they’ll just sneak it on Saturday.”
Under pressure Celtic boss Neil Lennon is in much need of a victory after recent defeats to Rangers and AC Mlian, while the Hoops drew 3-3 with the Dons on league duty last weekend.
There’s also the small matter of a quadruple treble on the line, which is why Hartley believes they’ll do the business and meet Hearts in the final.
“I think it would be the best achievement, so it’s a massive game for Celtic on Sunday with that in mind,” Hartley told William Hill. “They’ve not been at their best since the start of the season, but just one game can turn it for them.
“I think it’ll go all the way to penalty kicks. It’s so tight, but I think Celtic will play Hearts in the final.”
Hartley lifted the famous old trophy with both clubs, although it’s the semi-final against Hibs that stands out, even ahead of getting his hands on two winners medals.
“We won 4-0 and I managed to bag a hat-trick that day so that’s the game I’ll always remember,” he said.
"Obviously winning the Scottish Cup with Hearts and then Celtic was special, but I think that semi-final game is always the one I’ll remember.
“It’s up there as one of the best moments in my career. Winning the league at Tannadice with Celtic is too, but scoring a hat-trick in a Scottish Cup semi-final, especially against your rivals, is something I’ll never forget.”
