Jambos must be up for it
BY MICHAEL GANNON EX-JAMBO Gordan Petric believes the Scottish Cup could revive Hearts in the fight to beat the drop.
The big defender admitted the Gorgie men’s priority has to be staying in the Premiership.
But it doesn’t mean the Tynecastle side can view Rangers as a free punch in the capital tomorrow night.
Hearts manager Daniel Stendel desperately needs a boost – and a Cup win could be the catalyst.
Petric – who spent two seasons in Gorgie until 2001 – said: “It’s maybe easier for Hearts as they have more important problems in the league. But if they can win they could get confidence to take into the Premiership.
“They need to avoid relegation. But as a boss, you can’t say to your players that a Scottish Cup game isn’t important. Every game is important because of the position they are in.
“It doesn’t matter if it is the Cup or the league, it is all about trying to get a winning mentality.
“If you try to win every game then confidence will come into the squad.
“The Hearts players are under a lot of pressure now, they need to start producing.
“I don’t know if they have the players who can win every single week.
“This will be a hard game for both teams. Rangers are just back from Portugal and will be emotionally tired.
“It doesn’t matter if you win the game or not, you are still tired. They only have two days to rest before going to Tynecastle.
“Hearts have had two weeks. The thing is, maybe that isn’t good either.”