Driver gets past green bus fears

FEAR spurred Hearts on to William Hill Scottish Cup success, according to former Oldham schoolboy Andrew Driver, who had been picturing Hibernian's celebrations in his head prior to his side's comprehensive triumph at Hampden.

Hearts claimed a 5–1 victory yesterday in the first all–Edinburgh Scottish Cup final since 1896, ensuring Hibs’ wait to lift the trophy for the first time since 1902 goes on.

“For a game against your biggest rivals in a cup final to go like that, it’s just an absolute dream come true,” said Driver, a winger who had a spell in Athletic’s centre of excellence before a family move to Scotland at the age of 11.

“The wildest dreams were that we were going to win, but for the last few weeks all I could see was a green bus in my head.

“I think it was my dad that put it in there, he said all he could see was a green open–topped bus.

“The nerves took hold, but the way the game went it just took care of itself.

“The fear of losing the game was massive. They were right when they said we were scared of losing, of course we were.

“But we did our job, we were professional about it. We went and gave our all on the pitch and it showed through in the end.”

Goals from Darren Barr – his first for the club – and Rudi Skacel saw Hearts take a commanding lead after 27 minutes, but James McPake handed Hibs a lifeline before half–time.

But Hibs conceded a penalty and Pa Kujabi was sent off for a second booking in the opening attack of the second half.

Danny Grainger converted from the spot and Ryan McGowan and Skacel added further goals to complete the rout.

Driver added: “For 40 minutes of the first half we dominated. We were a bit nervous at half–time, just letting that goal in late in the first half.

“If it was 2–0 at half–time you could’ve rested on your laurels, but their goal got us going again and the rest is history.”

Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas was thrilled after lifting the cup.

The Lithuanian defender said: “All week we were very confident about the game. First half when they scored it was a wee bit disturbing, but second half the first couple of minutes decided everything.”