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HIBS midfielder Marvin Bartley insists Hearts are favourites for the Scottish Cup replay between the sides next week.
Bartley walked off with the man-of-the-match champagne for a resolute display in an Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle that was characterised by hard work and fight, rather than skill and excitement.
The goalless stalemate mirrors the draw between the sides at the same stage last season, when Hibs went on to win the rematch at Easter Road.
The reigning cup holders will fancy their chances of a repeat of that outcome next Wednesday in front of a noisy home crowd.
But Bartley, who believes Hibs may have just about shaded Sunday’s full-blooded encounter, is adamant Hearts should still be expected to come out on top, given their Premiership status.
The 30-year-old former Bournemouth and Burnley player told Sky TV: “It was a massive battle. The pitch wasn’t the best and we had to dig in and play to the conditions.
“Not only was it a bumpy pitch but it was very windy. It was very difficult.
“But I thought, to a man, we were brilliant.
“I think we created more opportunities and had more of the ball in their final third.
“But we didn’t put the ball in the back of the net, so we’ve got to do it all again.
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“They’re the Premiership team and if we do beat them then it’s an upset.
“But going back to our place, with a full house, it should be a good game.”
Meanwhile, Hibs have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Jordon Forster could be ruled out for up to six weeks in the wake of Sunday’s derby.
The 23-year-old made just his fifth start of the season at Tynecastle but had to be replaced nine minutes after the interval in the tense Scottish Cup tie.
The stopper, who finished last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle, picked up a hamstring problem and could now face an extended spell on the sidelines.
Manager Neil Lennon told Hibs TV: “It’s a hamstring, but we don’t know the exact prognosis of it at the minute.
“But, if it’s a hamstring you’re looking at four to six weeks.
“We’re hoping it’s not going to be that bad. It might be a strain, but hamstrings are pretty delicate injuries.”
