LEWIS HOPES VERSATILITY BRINGS VICTORY

LEWIS STEVENSON insists there are now two sides to Hibs — and they intend to show it in Wednesday’s Scottish Cup fifth-round replay against Hearts.

On a threadbare Tynecastle pitch that was not conducive to free-flowing football, the Championship leaders rolled up their sleeves and made sure they did not come off second best in the physical challenge during last Sunday’s feisty goalless clash.

The cup holders have been accused of being bullied in this fixture in the past, while head coach Neil Lennon claimed there was a ‘psychological shift’ between the sworn Edinburgh enemies following the match.

The replay is expected to be a completely different affair but long-serving defender Stevenson insists versatile Hibs can defy the gap and win the tie by outplaying their Premiership rivals.

‘I think the derbies have changed a lot, especially this year,’ said Stevenson.

‘We’ve brought in a few more physical players and I think we matched them in that aspect, and I’m sure we will do it again. ‘If it becomes more of a football match, we’ve still got the players that can play as well. We’re prepared for all manner of games. ‘Both teams would be disappointed about how they played in the first game. I don’t think we played the way we wanted to. ‘The pitch wasn’t great but I’m sure the surface at Easter Road will be a bit better and it will suit both teams.

‘I’m sure it’s going to be a very different game and hopefully one where football gets a chance to show.’

Last weekend’s derby was no classic but Stevenson (left) insists the fear of making a mistake on a badly cut-up pitch outbalanced any desire to be adventurous going forward.

He said: ‘The pitch was tough to play on. It was a bit uneven and nobody wanted to take chances or wanted to be the one remembered for playing a square ball and losing it.

‘Nobody was taking risks but both teams could have been a little braver and played a bit more.’