Hibs land another home draw

Could this be the year that Hibs end their 108-year wait for a Scottish Cup triumph? The Cup gods are certainly smiling on John Hughes' men at the moment, conspiring as they did to give the Hibees their third successive home tie against lower league, and in one case, non-league, opposition in the Active Nation Scottish Cup.

Ross County, who so comprehensively disposed of Stirling Albion in the last round, will be the visitors to Leith in mid-March; the First Division side following in the footsteps of the Juniors of Irvine Meadow and SFL basement boys Montrose in visiting the home of Hibernian on Scottish Cup duty this season.

With his side just one game away from a Hampden semi-final, and the chance of getting to the final of the Scottish Cup in only his first season in charge at Easter Road, Hibs boss John Hughes will have a tough task in focusing the minds of his players for the visit of Aberdeen to Edinburgh this evening, as the home side shoot for the victory that could take them above Celtic and into second place in the SPL table, if city rivals, Hearts, can do them a favour in their match at Celtic Park, also this evening.

Hibs will be buoyed by the return of Sol Bamba to tonight’s squad, the imposing centre-back having been given last week off to recover from the rigours of the Africa Cup of Nations, after having been pressed into action immediately upon his return for Hibs match versus St. Mirren. The Hibees have no other injury worries, although young defender Darren McCormack’s recent exploits may see him removed from a strong home squad.

Aberdeen’s young star, Peter Pawlett, will miss this evening’s match with a knee injury, but the return of Sone Aluko and Zander Diamond to the first team squad will have boosted the confidence of Aberdeen boss, Mark McGhee, ahead of this evening’s clash. Victory at Easter Road would take the Dons into the top six of the SPL, and above Heart of Midlothian, should the Gorgie side fail to return from Parkhead with a positive result.

Full draw for Active Nation Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals:

Rangers or St Mirren v Dundee United
Hibernian v Ross County
Kilmarnock v Celtic
Dundee v Aberdeen or Raith Rovers

Ties to be played on weekend of 13th/ 14th March.