BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
TOM TAIWO reckons Hibs could be struck down by fatigue as they target a stunning Championship and Scottish Cup double.
And the Falkirk midfielder insists the Bairns will be ready to pounce if it happens.
Taiwo, who starred for the Easter Road side between 2012 and 2014, has been a pivotal part of an eight-game unbeaten run in the league for Peter Houston’s side, earning the experienced gaffer February’s manager of the month award.
It is a late surge that has prompted memories of last season, when they roared from the pack to overhaul the Hibees in second spot, with capital club’s bid for promotion ultimately suffering for their historic Scottish Cup triumph.
Taiwo was also part of the Falkirk side that reached the final in 2015 – yet failed to even make the playoffs as the physical and mental strain of fighting on two fronts took its toll.
Ahead of Falkirk’s trip to face Ayr today, he said: “It isn’t so much that the Cup will be a distraction for Hibs, I think it just brings mental and physical fatigue.
“When you have the sole focus, like we have, then you can just concentrate on that. Hibs have a tough cup semi and that’s massive for them – as they want to win it again. It will be draining for them win, lose or draw, as you pour so much emotion into that.
“We just have nine league games, so it will be a tougher period for Hibs having to juggle everything. You are probably never playing at 100 per cent with midweek games and it’s hard to recover.
“Fatigue and mental tiredness sets in, so hopefully having that extra rest will help us.”
