Hearts' Robbie Neilson and Hibs' Jack Ross know each other inside out ahead of cup semi-final

There are no secrets between Robbie Neilson and Jack Ross.

Jack Ross and Robbie Neilson together at Hearts in 2015.

The respective managers of Hearts and Hibernian know one another intrinsically having worked together at Riccarton. It is a sub-plot making Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final between the clubs all the more intriguing.

Five years ago, Hearts’ succession plan was to promote their then-Under-20 coach Ross to manager whenever Neilson moved on. Their blueprint was consigned to the bin when Ross departed abruptly in October 2015.

He went on to manage Alloa, St Mirren, Sunderland and now Hibs. Neilson left Tynecastle Park for MK Dons the following year before pitching up at Dundee United and then returning to Gorgie four months ago.

It was Neilson who brought Ross to Hearts and showed him how the club operates. Now the pair are in charge of Edinburgh’s arch rivals. Each has a priceless insight into the other’s mindset ahead of this weekend’s meeting at Hampden Park.

“There won’t be a lot of secrets. The fact they worked with each other before, they’ll know how each other works and operates and what they’ll try and do,” said Jon Daly, who inherited the job vacated by Ross at Hearts before leaving in January this year.

“Both sides have been pretty consistent from the start of the season. So I wouldn’t imagine they’ll change an awful lot in terms of tactics and shape going into the game.

“It looks like the two wide players Hearts have brought in could be out injured – [Josh] Ginnelly and [Jordan] Roberts. So that will probably be an area Robbie will have to look at.

“He’s obviously got [Elliott] Frear on one side and he deployed Wighton on the right at Arbroath. Then he put him through the middle. It’s going to be interesting to see what Hearts do if Ginnelly and Roberts are both out.”

Ross will be better placed than most to guess the solution. Curiously, he has already knocked Neilson out of this tournament with Hibs’ fourth-round replay win against United in January.

“If people could go to this game, it would have been sold out a long time ago,” said Daly. “It's still going to be a great spectacle. I'm probably not supposed to be biased now I'm not connected but I'm hoping Hearts can get to the final.”

The absence of supporters is a wrench for the first all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup semi-final since 2006. Added spice comes from Hearts’ desire to surprise as a Championship club beating Premiership opposition.

“The staff and management will certainly let the players know what's expected,” remarked Daly. “Every player in that changing room will have played in a derby at some level. It should be a fiery one.”

Winning the Scottish Cup would be a useful retort for Hearts after their controversial summer relegation. Daly believes Celtic, who face Aberdeen in the other semi, are favourites.

“Even if they hadn't wobbled lately, I think it's still open. One-off games always give you an opportunity. Every player in that Celtic squad is a serial winner who knows how to win trophies.

“They have good memories of being at Hampden. Regardless of Celtic's form, I still see them as favourites.”

• Jon Daly was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.

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