Lenny looking at sunshine on Leith in cup derby replay

HIBERNIAN head coach Neil Lennon reckons home advantage could prove vital in reaching the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-finals following yesterday’s goalless draw at Hearts.

The Edinburgh rivals will lock horns in a replay on February 22 after they could not be separated during a physical battle that was bereft of clear-cut chances but full of commitment.

Hearts striker Esmael Goncalves failed to take the best chance of the tie after just three minutes when his shot from close range was blocked by Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano after racing on to Lennard Sowah’s pass.

At the other end Jason Cummings had an effort saved by Hearts goalkeeper Jack Hamilton.

But former Celtic manager Lennon hopes the cup holders can see off their Gorgie counterparts in the rematch in Leith.

Lennon said: “To come here and play like that against a Hearts side who were rampant in their previous two games says a lot about our team.

“There is nothing between the teams and now we’re taking them to Easter Road.

“We might have a slight advantage because we are at home. You would have to ask the bookies if we are the favourites for the replay.

“Hearts are a team that are fourth in the Premiership and we are in the Championship but I was very impressed with what I saw from my boys.

“I enjoyed my first taste of the Edinburgh derby. I know what it means to both sets of supporters. It is not the Glasgow derby but it is an excellent derby and I felt quite relaxed during the game.

“The most important thing is how my team performed under the circumstances and we played very well.”

Lennon’s decision to hand goalkeeper Marciano a recall proved right after the Israeli kept out Goncalves after three minutes.

He added: “I looked at him on Saturday and I thought he looked great.

“It is a big game and he is an international goalkeeper and he showed his class.

“To be fair the one time Hearts cut us open was Goncalves early on and Ofir stood up brilliantly to that and made a great save.”

Hearts manager Ian Cathro, meanwhile, admits he was disappointed with the lack of flowing football on show from his team in a frustrating afternoon. The Ladbrokes Premiership side had scored seven goals in their previous two league matches against Rangers and Motherwell but struggled to get going in the derby.

Cathro said: “I’m somebody who loves football. I think we could have played more of it.

“But the most pleasing factor at the end of all that was we saw a strong team dealing with the frustration and staying focused and sharp.

“I think we were comfortable defending what we had to defend and dealing with what we had to deal with. So I see a team and I see a squad which has become stronger. The togetherness and the focus is good.”