..we could have St Johnstone

HEARTS 4 AUCHINLECK 0

STEPHEN WILSON walked out of Tynecastle last night consoling himself with the fact he isn’t Eden Hazard or Gonzalo Higuain. The Auchinleck midfielder even took comfort he wasn’t thing to cheer about. Obviously, I got a wee buzz when it hit the net, scoring at Tynecastle. But it wasn’t to be.

“Still, what an adventure it has been. It has been a great experience for the boys.”

As Hearts anticipate the draw for the quarter-final, Talbot will be back in more familiar surroundings. Wilson added: “We have Rob Roy at home in the league then we’re away to Pollok in the quarter-final of the junior Scottish Cup.

“Obviously we’re holders so we have a wee eye on that. The next four or five games are crucial. We’re second or third in the league but we have seven games in hand.

“Once the lighter nights come in it will be games on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mark Shankland is getting married in the middle of June but we’ll still be playing football by then!”

Hearts boss Craig Levein praised the professionalism of his side in the first half, especially as he handed Uche Ikpeazu his first start after a long-term injury.

Levein said: “I was pleased with our first-half performance. We didn’t quite play at the same intensity after the break but it didn’t cost us and we are through.

“Uche showed some nice touches. He was a bit over eager to score but I understand that because he’s been out for a while.

“It’s a real positive to have him back and it was great for Aidan Keena to get his first senior goal. It was the pick of the bunch.

“Not losing a goal is a positive and we are the next round, which is all that matters.”

Hearts full-back Michael Smith will have a scan on a thigh injury this morning which could rule him out for a minimum of six weeks, a blow just when the Jambos’ injury list appeared to be clearing. Levein added: “We are obviously not allowed to have them all fit, are we?”

TOMMY SLOAN watched Auchinleck Talbot exit the Scottish Cup then called on his players to make it an annual event.

The Ayrshire juniors were beaten 4-0 by Hearts at Tynecastle as Sloan, right, tipped the Jambos to go all the way in the tournament.

Auchinleck bowed out with pride as they went further in the competition than ever before, matching the run of fellow juniors Linlithgow Rose three years ago.

Bot were three goals down at half-time but never crumbled