Hibs star Jake aims to settle a score
JAKE DOYLE-HAYES has urged Hibs to prove the critics were wrong to accuse them of downing tools and meekly surrendering in last week’s dismal derby defeat to Hearts. Former Easter Road star Tam McManus labelled them ‘a disgrace’ and claimed they ‘chucked it’ in the second half of their 3-1 league loss at Tynecastle. Midfielder Doyle-Hayes says his team-mates will be angry at their professionalism being questioned, but he insists the best way to hit back is to be the first-ever Hibs team to beat Hearts at Hampden and book a Scottish Cup final date against Celtic or Rangers next month. Ahead of today’s all-Edinburgh semi-final, Doyle-Hayes said: ‘It is difficult to hear but it is definitely not true. ‘I don’t think we have any players who would want to chuck it or who threw in the towel in that second half last weekend. ‘It is definitely not nice to hear but we need to prove people wrong and show that wasn’t the case. « ‘That is definitely an
ADERBY semi-final of huge importance? Joe Hart has history where those are concerned. The chance to do it all again in the colours of Celtic provides him with an almighty thrill.
Hart’s shot-stopping ability may well be vital for Ange Postecoglou’s side when Treble ambitions are put on the line against Rangers in front of a 50-50 Hampden crowd tomorrow afternoon. One of the 34-year-old’s other great assets, of course, is his depth of experience.
Back in 2011, Hart was part of a Manchester City side basking in recently found wealth but yet to deliver a trophy for the owners in Abu Dhabi.
An FA Cup last-four meeting at Wembley with Sir Alex Ferguson’s United — Premier League champions that season — was a chance to show the balance of power was shifting.
It was one City grasped. With Hart making important saves, Yaya Toure’s goal sent them through to the final — which they won against Stoke City. The rest is history.
‘I remember that semi-final really well as it was a real turning point for us as a group,’ reflected Hart (below). ‘It was a huge moment in the new era at Manchester City.
‘We were known for having a lot of money and all the rest, but that doesn’t guarantee anything.
‘We went toe-to-toe with United at Wembley in an FA Cup semifinal, with a 50-50 split of fans. To win that game and then go on to win the cup, that’s when it all started.
‘There are two emotions that come out of those games and I enjoyed it after we earned the victory.
‘It’s a good feeling to win a game like that at the national stadium — a really good feeling.’
Eleven years ago, Hart denied Dimitar Berbatov early on and then Nani before the end. After producing an important save to thwart Fashion Sakala at Ibrox a fortnight ago, he is ready to be called upon again in a highstakes derby.
‘The further down the line you get, the finer the margins are in the games,’ added Hart. ‘It’s going to be an even game. You saw what happened in our recent match at Ibrox.
‘It will be tough and everyone is going to have a big moment, or moments, and they could define the game.’
But what of the broader picture? If the 2011 FA Cup semi-final success was a turning point for City, might tomorrow offer the same prospect for Celtic in terms of dominating Scottish football?
They have already won the League Cup and hold a six-point lead in the Premiership with five games to play.
‘Every moment is unique,’ cautioned Hart. ‘Right now at Celtic, we are doing our own thing.
‘That City win was a long time ago and it started another story. But, right now, our focus is on just stamping our style on every game we play.
‘Ultimately, we want to win as many games as possible in all competitions.’
Four years after leaving City, Hart was back at the Etihad Stadium last weekend to watch a 2-2 draw with Liverpool that left Pep Guardiola’s team in pole position to land another league crown.
‘It was nice to be back there watching a game,’ he said. ‘That was the first time since I left. It was a good one for my son and there was a bit of talk about Celtic at the game.
‘City is a home for me and I’d only been back with opposition teams since I left. It was good to go as a fan and there was definitely a lot of goodwill coming for Celtic.’
Hart has certainly relished the fresh start in Glasgow, contributing a huge amount to the resurgence at Parkhead under Postecoglou.
Ex-City team-mate Trevor Sinclair speculated this week that it might even lead to an England recall. ‘I definitely qualify — I am English,’ smiled Hart, who won the last of his 75 caps in 2017. ‘Other than that, I am now totally focused on what I am doing at Celtic.
‘And I do enjoy having that and everything that’s coming with it.’
BORNA BARISIC admits Rangers are now daring to dream of Europa League glory in Seville next month. The Scottish champions secured their first appearance in a European semi-final in 14 years when Kemar Roofe’s extra-time goal overcame Braga. Now preparing for a Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic tomorrow, Croatian left-back Barisic (below) admits Rangers could have done without the additional 30 minutes. Buoyed by the prospect of a last-four clash against RB Leipzig, however, the Ibrox side will head for Hampden on the cusp of their first European final since 2008. ‘Yes, we are dreaming about that now,’ said Barisic. ‘But we also have a semi-final which will be really tough and we are looking forward to playing that game. But we are happy.’ Superb wins over Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade and Braga have strengthened belief and confidence after a difficult run of domestic results.
And Barisic believes the boost to Rangers’ morale can offset the gruelling impact of 120 minutes on Thursday night. ‘These games give us confidence, especially games like this,’ he said. ‘We had extra-time and showed our team spirit, we showed we are capable. We are playing in the semi-finals of the Europa League, a big achievement for players, for fans, for us personally. ‘It would be much better if we had played 90 minutes, but it is what it is. ‘If it takes 120 minutes, then so be it. The most important thing is we won the game. ‘We are professionals and are ready for the game on Sunday.’ Replaced by Leon Balogun after 90 minutes, Barisic played down fears of an injury ahead of the Celtic showdown. Restored to the starting line-up against St Mirren last Sunday, he was suffering the effects of cramp. ‘I felt that ten to 15 minutes before the 90 and I tried to play to the end — but I couldn’t any more,’ he said. ‘It is probably because I haven’t played for a long time.’ His powerful running and crossing were a huge factor in disrupting Braga’s composure, and Barisic is revelling in his return to the first team after a lengthy absence. ‘Play like you play last Sunday, that was what the manager said to me,’ he revealed. ‘When I wasn’t playing I just wanted to keep training and doing my best because I knew my opportunity would come. ‘Every opportunity I have I want to try and help the team. I thought I played very well.’ Giovanni van Bronckhorst ordered his players to put the Celtic semi-final at the back of their minds before facing Braga. ‘We didn’t have Sunday in mind,’ said the Ibrox boss. ‘You saw that from my players, they gave everything. ‘A lot of energy, a lot of power going forward. We have to make sure we recover from that game and be ready for Sunday. You want to be involved but these games are demanding. You want to be involved in all the competitions, we will fight for every one.’