Hearts derby specialist John Robertson fears Hibees' front line

Hearts icon John Robertson believes that Hibs’ frontline can provide the ammunition to gun down his club.

However, the record league goalscorer at Tynecastle is backing the Hearts defence to shine and lay the foundations for another silverware party in Gorgie this weekend.

Robertson, who netted 27 times in Edinburgh derbies during his two spells at Hearts in the 80s and 90s, is then backing cult hero Rudi Skacel to come up with the goods at the other end of the pitch.

Robertson said: “I think everybody’s looking at the strikers. Leigh Griffiths and Garry O’Connor have been fantastic, they’re a great partnership and are going to be a real threat.

“However I do think that Andrew Webster and Marius Zaliukas can keep an eye on them. They are big strong lads and should be able to handle them.

“At the other end James McPake and Paul Hanlon will have their hands full with Craig Beattie who’s been an absolute revelation since he’s come to Hearts.

“And what can say about Rudi Skacel? He’s the talisman, the one that all the fans look to and if anybody’s going to do something a bit special, it should be Rudi Skacel.”

The man affectionately known as Robbo to legions of Jambos admits that the game could split families like his own where brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, husbands and wives have differing allegiances.

He said: “This weekend will split families for the first time ever. It has become the biggest game ever – 116 years in the making and now it becomes reality.

“Only one team can win and it has become such a huge event that I hope everyone enjoys it and that the men in maroon and white are celebrating after the game.”

And the die-hard Hearts man’s plan if all does not go to plan for Paulo Sergio’s team?

Robertson said: “I think I’ll find a far off distant planet to retire to for a few months.”

More About Scottish Cup Final 2012

Related articles

People who read this story also read