McInnes treats Hibs like top-six team

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is treating tomorrow’s Scottish Cup semi-final opponents Hibernian like a fellow top-six side rather than lower-league opposition.

The Dons are regarded as firm favourites for the last-four encounter but McInnes is wary of the Easter Road men, who won the competition last year and will return to the top flight next season.

Since being demoted to the second tier three years ago, Hibs have knocked several topflight sides out of competitions, including the Dons with a 2-0 win in the third round of the League Cup in September 2015.

Hearts (twice), Caley Thistle, St Johnstone and Dundee United (twice) were other top-flight casualties, so McInnes knows his Reds will have to be at their best tomorrow if they are to earn a place in next month’s final.

The Aberdeen manager said: “Whenever we’ve watched them they’ve dominated the game and looked in control.

“I’ve seen them come through some difficult games in their league.

“Even when they’ve not been at their best, they’ve always looked the most likely to win the game.

“They’ve got good experience, plenty energy about them and obviously we’re playing against a team used to winning and playing with a bit of confidence.

“We’ve got a tough game on our hands.

“We probably view them like a top-six side,” he said.

“Hibs have got the experience of winning the cup last year, the confidence of winning their league and the level of player that they have will ensure it is a difficult game for us.”