As Rangers drew Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final draw, Premiership rivals Hearts and Hibs drew each other in the other semi for a place in the final at Hampden.
It is the only time in Scottish Cup history that the semi-finals have been split between Old Firm and Edinburgh derbies and it promises to be an enthralling weekend of Scottish football action.
But having reached this stage of the competition, Hearts are now just 90 minutes away from guaranteeing Europa Conference League group stage football next season.
We’ve spoken extensively about Rangers’ role in boosting the Scottish coefficient and not only is the winner of this season’s Premiership almost guaranteed Champions League football, one other side will make the Conference League.
Either the side who finish 3rd – as things stand Hearts – or the team who wins the Scottish Cup but doesn’t qualify via other means will earn a Europa League Playoff spot.
Scottish Cup draw throws up Rangers v Celtic, Hearts v Hibs
If Hibs win the Scottish Cup then Hearts won’t earn the place and it’ll go to the Hibees but if Hearts beat Hibs they ensure a pop at Europe next season.
Whilst the spot is for qualification for the Europa League, such is the quality of opposition it is unlikely a Scottish side will win it, but they will automatically drop into the ECL.
It adds an extra dimension to Hearts’ clash with Hibs with reports online claiming it could be worth £3m to the Tynecastle club [Daily Record].
If this happens, then it very much validates Hearts’ decision not to sell John Souttar to Rangers in the January transfer window.
The Ibrox-bound Scotland international has signed a pre-contract at Ibrox with the Gers reportedly bidding £400k to bring him to Govan early in the winter window.
However, Hearts stood firm on their valuation and Rangers eventually gave up in the pursuit with John Souttar set to join in the summer.
But if he can help guarantee Hearts group stage European football next season, then Hearts’ decision not to cash in early on the defender looks pretty justified.
Meanwhile, a Premier League fan has gone viral for pledging his allegiance to Rangers and landing a blow on Old Firm rivals Celtic.
