Bartley set to pitchin for Hibs in replay

HIBS midfielder Marvin Bartley insists Hearts are favourites for the Scottish Cup replay between the sides next week.

Bartley walked off with the man-of-the-match champagne for a resolute display in an Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle that was characterised by hard work and fight, rather than skill and excitement.

The goalless stalemate mirrors the draw between the sides at the same stage last season, when Hibs went on to win the rematch at Easter Road.

The reigning cup holders will fancy their chances of a repeat of that outcome next Wednesday in front of a noisy home crowd.

But Bartley, who believes Hibs may have just about shaded Sunday’s full-blooded encounter, is adamant Hearts should still be expected to come out on top, given their Premiership status.

The 30-year-old former Bournemouth and Burnley player said: “It was a massive battle. The pitch wasn’t the best and we had to dig in and play to the conditions.

“But I thought, to a man, we were brilliant.

“I think we created more opportunities and had more of the ball in their final third.

“But we didn’t put the ball in the back of the net, so we’ve got to do it all again.

“They’re the Premiership team and if we do beat them then it’s an upset.

“But going back to our place, with a full house, it should be a good game.”