Hearts' Andy Irving says beating Hibs was 'class' after watching 5-1 as a kid

Hearts midfielder Andy Irving is chasing a starting place.

He was about to enter the field as a substitute against Hibs at the national stadium with a Scottish Cup final place looming. For a young Hearts fan from a Hearts-daft family, the next few minutes would be complete utopia.

Irving was in the stand as a 12-year-old eight years ago watching Rudi Skacel, Danny Grainger and Ryan McGowan thump Hibs 5-1 in the final of this very tournament. Now he was preparing to take part.

Andy Halliday’s withdrawal with three minutes of extra-time left allowed the midfielder, now 20, to sample an occasion he describes as “class”.

Irving watched from the stands as Hearts won 5-1 against Hibs in 2012.

Hearts were 2-1 ahead courtesy of Craig Wighton’s header and Liam Boyce’s penalty and Irving’s task was to help see the game out. Standing on the touchline, his thoughts returned to 2012 and the occasion awaiting him.

Trip down memory lane

“That’s exactly what I was thinking,” said Irving, speaking exclusively to the Evening News. “I was ready at any point to go on but even to play a very small part is still an amazing experience.

“To be part of a team that beat Hibs in the semi and is now going to the final is great. It was unbelievable. Those are the games that remind you that you play for Hearts.

Irving did not rub it in to friend Josh Doig, who was on the losing side for Hibs.

“As a fan, I grew up seeing Hearts win the cup by beating Hibs 5-1 at Hampden. That was pretty incredible so to be part of a team that beat Hibs at Hampden is class. We are all just absolutely buzzing for the final now.

“It was weird during the summer. Everything that went on regarding the league was bitterly disappointing for everybody at Hearts. I felt that being a Hearts fan, and so did my family.

“Games like Saturday help make up for some of that. Obviously we used that as motivation for the game and for the whole season as well.

“My family were absolutely buzzing that we beat Hibs and got through. Last time Hearts played Hibs at Hampden was 2012 and I was in the stand that day. To be on the pitch in the semi and win was just class.”

No contact with Hibs pal

Irving has resisted the temptation to call or even text his old Newcraighall Primary School pal, the Hibs defender Josh Doig, in the aftermath of Saturday’s result. He is sensibly exercising decorum in case of damaging a long-standing friendship.

“My dad and his dad are good friends and I’ve known Josh for years. We was at Hearts before he went to Hibs. He only lives two minutes from me but I haven’t spoken to him since Saturday.”

The sense of satisfaction is enough without the need to gloat. “Everybody sees Celtic and Rangers as the big derby, and of course it is. But in Edinburgh, it means everything to Hearts and to Hibs to win the derby.

“You get the bragging rights and it’s pretty amazing. These are the games you want to play in and want to win as a Hearts player. It’s just such a massive occasion, especially at Hampden in a semi-final, it means so much.”

Back to the nitty gritty

From the grandiose platform of the national stadium, Hearts return to weekly league business in the Championship this weekend. They will aim to maintain a 100 per cent record in all competitions against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tynecastle Park.

Morale within the squad has been increasing steadily since Robbie Neilson’s return as manager in June. Winning three Betfred Cup ties increased belief, a feeling which intensified with two opening league victories.

Beating Hibs to reach a cup final sends the elation through the roof. “We’ve obviously started well and been winning games,” said Irving. “We know winning games becomes a habit and that’s the habit you want to get into.

“I think the belief and confidence within the squad was high anyway, but Saturday will just enhance that and take it to the next level. We want to keep winning games now so that, come the final in December, we are in a really good place.”

Between now and then, Irving is no different to any other member of Neilson’s first-team squad. He wants to earn a place in the starting line-up for an unusual showpiece five days before Christmas.

Celtic are the opponents but Irving’s rivals are much closer to home. Andy Halliday, Olly Lee and Peter Haring are his competitors for a central midfield place at Hearts. The young lad from Portobello knows he is by some distance the least experienced of the quartet.

Up against it

A minor thigh complaint has restricted him slightly in recent weeks so he is now eager to push on and force himself into the team. He boasts a majestic left foot and vast popularity among the Hearts support, but those alone will not earn him that place.

“There is a lot of experience and competition in midfield. It’s up to me to keep working hard on and off the pitch to keep improving. I want to work on my strengths and weaknesses to get back in the team.

“Whenever I’m needed, I’ll be ready. I’ve spoken to the manager a few times about my role and stuff like that. I’m happy to try to fight my way back in.”

After those stirring few minutes on the pitch against Hibs, Irving is determined to enjoy an encore against Celtic.

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