Lenny’s lament for ‘pals’ cup draw
HIBS boss Neil Lennon was left cursing pals Rod Stewart and Alan Stubbs after admitting he could have ‘done without’ Sunday’s mouthwatering Scottish Cup clash with Hearts.
Rock legend Stewart and and Lennon’s former Celtic colleague, Stubbs, who led Hibs to their historic cup win over Rangers in May, made the draw for the fifth round last month and paired the Easter Road side with their bitter city rivals.
The tie has captured the imagination of supporters of both clubs as Hearts seek revenge for their defeat at the same stage of the competition last season.
Lennon, a veteran of so many Old Firm games as a player and manager, is relishing the prospect of his first Edinburgh derby.
But, with the Championship title his main focus, he confessed it is a match he did not want at this stage of the tournament.
He said: “When the draw was made, I was thinking ‘I thought Rod Stewart and Alan Stubbs were my pals’.
“I could have really done without it, because the priority for us is to get promotion.
“But if you’re going to win the cup you’ve got to beat anything that’s put in front of you.
“Hearts are the next obstacle and it just adds that little bit more spice.”
Lennon is fully aware that a sell-out derby across the city will create a unique occasion as Hibs bid to make it a more regular occurrence by winning promotion.
He added: “What am I expecting? A vociferous atmosphere. Tynecastle is one of those great traditional stadiums that generates a marvellous atmosphere, and I expect the game to be very competitive.
“There was a big tie last year that went to two games and the anticipation has been building for this one.”