Zaliukas talks up cup final

19 May 2012 09:46

Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas has taken a different approach to manager Paulo Sergio ahead of the William Hill Scottish Cup final with Hibernian, describing the contest as "the biggest game in the club's history".

While Sergio attempted to downplay the significance of his side's opponents in the first all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup final since 1896, Zaliukas believes there has been no more important fixture in Hearts' 138-year history.

"It's the biggest game in the club's history. It's a perfect day," the defender said.

"I wouldn't say anyone is nervous. Everyone is excited and just can't wait for Saturday.

"Everyone is thinking what it's going to be like if we win or if we lose, but everyone is very confident and we're going to go to win. Everyone is going to be involved in history."

But his counterpart at Hibs, James McPake, hopes to end fans' century-long wait for the trophy.

Hibs go into the final seeking to win the trophy for the first time since 1902 - a record which has long been the subject of taunts from fans of Hearts, who lifted the trophy in 1998 and 2006.

While captain McPake insists the chance to be history-makers will not be on the mind of Hibs' players on Saturday, it is an opportunity.

"It's something that spurs us on, but on the day we will not be thinking about that 110 years, we'll just be thinking about that 90 minutes, or 90 minutes plus extra time," McPake said. "That's our chance to wipe away all the 110 years of history and make us heroes at this football club.

"For this football club to win the Scottish Cup would be massive, but for the fans especially, if we could go out and win it against Hearts it would be something they'd talk about for probably the next 110 years."

Source: PA