Allan key to unlocking semi- final
Ross reveals injured playmaker has had Hibs watching brief
JACK ROSS is adamant Scott Allan still has an “invaluable” part to play in Hibernian’s Scottish Cup clash with Hearts. The mercurial midfielder has not featured for the Hibees since a 1- 0 defeat against Aberdeen in August due to an ongoing medical issue.
However, Ross has redirected Allan’s expertise by utilising him as a makeshift scout.
Indeed, the former Celtic and Dundee United man was among the sparse band of observers allowed into Tynecastle for Hearts’ opening day demolition of Dundee.
He has reported back with his findings as Hibs seek to get the better of their city rivals on Saturday.
Easter Road boss Ross said: “In this period Scott [ Allan] has been out, he has been really good. He has gone and watched some games for us.
“The information he has provided has been very helpful in terms of what we put together and how we prepare for the games.
“Obviously he was complimentary and impressed by Hearts’ performance against Dundee. John Potter was at the game at Arbroath, too, so the good thing is we have had eyes on Hearts in the limited games they have had. They will have done the same to us.
“It is all about trying to cover as many bases as you can in terms of preparation, but certainly Scott’s input has been invaluable.”
And Ross reckons they will be facing a Premiership- calibre outfit at Hampden despite Hearts’ Championship status.
A division may separate the Edinburgh foes but Hearts will be able to call upon the likes of Craig Gordon, who boasts 13 major honours, Northern Ireland internationals Michael Smith and Liam Boyce, and Steven Naismith.
Ross continued: “Are Hearts a Premiership side in all but name? There is a common agreement in terms of valuation of Robbie’s squad, with the calibre of player he has retained from last season and those he has added to in the group that that is the case.
“I think they have showed that in the manner of their performance in the opening league game as well, so it’s not probably that different a challenge to what we face every week in the Premiership in that respect.
“We are playing against a team from the Championship but it is probably akin to the quality and level and quality of player we face week- in, week- out, so there will be no surprises in terms of the level of performance from our point of view.”
Meanwhile, Hibs midfielder Kyle Magennis is eyeing
success for club and country at the tail- end of a year which he describes as a “write- off”.
The 22- year- old was sidelined for the majority of 2020 with a devastating cruciate knee injury but has finally fought back to full fitness in recent weeks.
Magennis said: “For the most part this year’s been a bit of a write- off for me with the injury, but it’s probably made me appreciate the things that have happened in the last few weeks all the more.
“Between the move here and the Scotland Under- 21 callup, it’s really come as a boost and made me all the more determined to push on.
“I’ve had a taste of things here and the staff have been great at holding me back to make sure I’m at 100 per cent again. Now I’m just looking to get as many minutes under my belt as I can.”