Hearts will be guaranteed European group stage football next season, but Rangers-bound John Souttar was not involved in the game that got them there.
The Jambos are the undisputed third force of Scottish football this season and their status as Scottish Cup Finalists ensures their place in a Europa League playoff next season.
Even if Hearts do not win this match, they will drop into the group stage of the newly formed Europa Conference League.
Had another side but Rangers or Celtic won the Cup then they would’ve taken the place, even if Hearts finished 3rd, but now they have beaten Hibs 2-1 in the semi the spot if officially their’s.
Ellis Simms opened the scoring for the Edinburgh side with a Stephen Kingsley screamer doubling the lead from a well-worked free-kick.
Hibs wing-back Chris Cadden would immediately peg the Jambos back but Joe Newell’s second half red card would all but consign the Hibees to defeat.
The result means Hearts will play the victor of Rangers and Celtic in the final at Hampden in May but the absence of John Souttar will also pique the interest of Gers supporters.
Rangers-bound John Souttar misses out as Hearts book Scottish Cup final place
The 25-year-old Scotland international signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers in January but a transfer stand-off between the Gers and Hearts saw him remain at Tynecastle in the winter window.
Rangers were said to have bid as much as £400k for the centre-back but the club’s Edinburgh rivals held out for their valuation and a suspected sell-on clause.
With the risk of European football, many saluted Hearts for the stance whilst some criticised Rangers, as defensive problems contributed to a Premiership collapse, for not shelling out.
But the player’s injury problems somewhat highlight that perhaps neither side is a winner in this situation.
John Souttar last featured for the Jambos in March due to an ankle injury and has not been involved in the season’s run-in.
But despite fears of yet another serious Achilles injury, something the defender has suffered twice, the problem is not believed to be serious.
As a result, many Rangers fans will point to this as being justification for not shelling out on the player whilst some Hearts fans will suggest this is why their club should’ve cashed in.
But whatever the case, Hearts have now secured a spot in the Scottish Cup Final and in Europe next season with John Souttar hoping to take part in the former, even if it’s against Rangers.
Meanwhile, Rangers have been handed an Old Firm injury boost ahead of their clash with Celtic at Hampden.
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