Perfect timing...

[SKII]

If ever there was a weekend for Hibernian fans to believe it is this one...

Who knows what hand fate will deal us at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon but the cards dealt this weekend have certainly given a few aces to the good guys. Why should we be any different?

If Hibs players were not inspired by the gutsy, determined performance of Portsmouth in the world's biggest library, they must surely have been stirred by the passion and heart of Barnsley against the world's biggest waste of money. And, should they have indulged themselves in sitting with their feet up in front of the telly on Saturday afternoon, they may well have found omens and inspiration from Scotland defiantly sending them homeward to think again...

(Let's hope Jones, Hogg and Co have come out from behind the cushions in time for tomorrow)

The ball is round and it is meant to roll - the wise words of the now departed John Collins on taking the Hibs job. And whilst the ball is certainly not the shape it should be (and it rolls like a Weeble on Buckfast) there are parallels between our clash with the residents of Mordor and that of Scotland with the Auld Enemy.

Tomorrow we should be looking to our own talismanic inspiration, Steven Fletcher, to be our equivalent of Chris Paterson. If Steven is on song we are, without reservation, in with a shout. He is potentially the most special player on the park tomorrow - forget your Burkes (with both big B and wee b), Boyds and Barrys. Fletch has a gift that no other who plays tomorrow possesses. It is little wonder he has already won two Young Player of the Month Awards this season - and should go on to become the third Hibs player in recent years to take the corresponding annual accolade.

Should he return, as predicted, Rob Jones can definitely lead us in the manner of Mike Blair - there is no doubting both captains are prepared to put their bodies on the line for their team. Tomorrow is another day for Captain Courageous to come to the fore. Beside him, Chris Hogg (without doubt our club Player of the Year) can be our equivalent of Jason White - as he has all season.

These three players, perhaps more than most, will be pivotal in our challenge tomorrow. They will provide us with the cutting edge to hurt the opposition and the defensive platform to build it from. All three can lead by example.

Elsewhere, you have to fancy the industry of John Rankin to trouble the Orc midfield. Whoever lines up alongside him (injuries are still an issue for both Beuzelin and Shiels) will have to give of themselves 100%. The other obvious potential problem for the opposition will be wee Zoomer. Let's hope he turns up in turbo powered mood.

There may not be as big a travelling support to Mordor as there was in a corresponding tie a couple of seasons ago but I also suspect that the home end may be somewhat sparsely populated also. There is every possibility we could use this to our advantage. Let's keep them quiet, Hibs.

The path to the final is a clear one for the winner of tomorrow's tie - let's not pretend differently. Whilst, clearly, there are still other obstacles for the victor to negotiate between now and May, there could be no excuses for either of the teams to make it all the way to Hampden. The incentive for winning is massive.

Hibernian need to grasp the moment, be brave and determined - and should it need to go as far as the torture of penalties, then so be it. Do whatever it takes.

Chelski, Man U, England your boys took one helluva beating...but move over, there is still some space in there beside you, for one more so-called "big team".

Come on the Hibs!