Let's get rid of this hoodoo
As one striker returns, McManus finds himself
ruled out through suspension....
102 YEARS, YEP THAT'S RIGHT, IT'S TIME TO TRY AND WIN
THE elusive Scottish Cup again, and what a tough start to the
campaign we have, Holders Rangers. This year however Rangers are not the
dominant force of previous years, and with the fact that Hibs knocked
Celtic out the CIS cup less than 3 weeks ago, this year we may actually
have a good chance of winning it, ok maybe a better chance.
Rangers come to Easter Road at Lunchtime today on the back of a
humiliating 3-0 defeat to Celtic last week, which meant the SPL title is
more or less over, which means if Rangers are to win anything this year
then they must beat Hibs in both cup competitions, but today it’s the
Scottish cup.
No return for McManus as
suspension kicks in (sns)
Rangers have major problems with their squad, and not just in terms of
injuries and suspensions but also in terms of commitment. But that’s a
different matter; today they have Captain Craig Moore out Suspended.
Added to Moore they have Ronald de Boer, Christian Nerlinger, Steven
Thompson and new signing Gavin Rae all out injured. Leaving Alex McLeish
with a thin squad to choose from. One good piece of news is that
Georgian International Zurab Khizanishvili is due to return from injury
and play for the first time since October.
Hibs themselves have been dealt a major blow with Steven Glass out
injured. Striker Tam McManus is another who is out, McManus is suspended
after picking up 2 bookings in last seasons Scottish cup matches against
Dunfermline at East End Park and then in the replay defeat at Easter
Road, On the good news front Roland Edge may make a return from injury,
Hibs also received another boost with the return of Derek Riordan after
his suspension. There is however still no return in sight of Yannick
Zambernardi, and Captain Ian Murray who is another long term absentee.
After beating Celtic in the CIS cup last month, the young Hibs team will
believe that they can do the cup double over the Old Firm, There also
looks to be a big crowd at Easter Rd this lunchtime, even though the
match is to be screened live on Sky Sports. Let’s hope the Hibs fans get
the result that they wish for and that’s for the 102 year Hoodoo to come
to an end. I predict that we win this match although it will be a close
affair, but I think that Hibs will win 2-1.
Bobby Williamson has added his voice to the growing number of those
who see Scott Brown as one of the future stars of Hibernian, and
possibly Scottish, football. With so many good young players on
the books these days, the future is certainly bright down Easter Road
way. Speaking ahead of this afternoon's clash, Williamson said,
"Scott is doing the right thing. Being in the first team at his age he
needs to focus totally on his game and his fitness and I’ve no doubt he
gets well looked after at home so he does not have the pressures young
lads have when they move out into a flat."
"He’s a really fit lad and his stamina is incredible. I like the way he
goes about his business and I’ll be happy to continue watching him do
that. We have a few players here who have the potential to go on and
have great careers but I don’t like to put extra pressure on young
players by singling them out."
For today's Scottish Cup tie against Rangers, "Behind The
Goals" at Easter Road will be open from 11.00am giving you the
opportunity to enjoy breakfast and pre match drinks before the 12.30pm
kick-off. At full-time "Behind The Goals" will re-open and remain
serving until 6.00pm.
Entry is free for Season Ticket Holders and offers include 4 pint
pitchers of Carlsberg and 70/- for only £6.00, 4 pint pitchers of
Calders Cream for £8.00. Also available is "a whisky nip and a half"
(house whisky only) for £1.50. Food is also available for purchase both
before during and after the game.
