We’ll be ready when Hibs run out of steam
CHAMPIONSHIP THE HEAT IS ON Tom: Bairns can catch tiring leaders
We just have nine league games, so it will be a tougher period for Hibs TOM TAIWO
TOM TAIWO reckons Hibs could be struck down by “fatigue” as they target a Championship and Scottish Cup double.
And the Falkirk midfielder insists the Bairns will be ready to pounce when it happens.
Taiwo, who starred for the Easter Road side between 2012 and 2014, has been a pivotal part of an eight-game unbeaten run in the league for Peter Houston’s side.
It is a late surge that has prompted memories of last season when they roared from the pack to overhaul the Hibees in second spot with the Edinburgh club’s bid for promotion ultimately suffering for their historic Cup triumph.
Taiwo was also part of the Falkirk side that reached the final in 2015 – yet failed to even make the play-offs as the physical and mental strain of fighting on two fronts took its toll.
He said: “It isn’t that the Cup will be a distraction for Hibs, it just brings mental and physical fatigue.
“Hibs have a tough Cup semi with Aberdeen and that’s massive for them. It will be draining.
“We just have nine league games so it’ll be a tougher period for Hibs.
“Hopefully having that extra rest will help us.”
While Taiwo retains aspirations of claiming an unlikely title triumph, he is certain Falkirk will be well equipped for the play-offs.
Last term they dumped Hibs out over two legs before winning their first match against Kilmarnock 1-0. With the promised land in sight, they then capitulated 4-0 in the return at Rugby Park.
But ahead of today’s trip to relegation-threatened Ayr, Taiwo said: “That experience will hold us in good stead. We’ll do things a bit differently this year if we get there.”
Meanwhile, Ayr boss Ian McCall believes his men can take heart from their 1-0 win over the Bairns at Somerset Park earlier this season.
An extra-time goal from Gary Harkins did the damage on that occasion as they secured an Irn-Bru Cup victory and McCall said: “We have beaten Falkirk before at Somerset Park so I’ve no doubt we can do it again.”