Hibs manager Jack Ross on Scott Allan's role in cup semi-final countdown

Scott Allan might not be able to contribute on the pitch at the moment, but the Hibs midfielder will have played his part if the Easter Road side reach the Scottish Cup final next weekend.

Scott Allan during a Hibs training session at the club's training centre earlier this month (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Rivals Hearts stand in the way and the currently sidelined Allan was despatched to Tynecastle two Friday nights ago to run the rule over Robbie Neilson’s team as they overwhelmed Dundee 6-2.

The midfielder was one of the privileged few permitted to attend the game in person as he sat wrapped up in the main stand next to reporters.

Ross has paid tribute to Allan’s tactical input during his recent absence from the team. The midfielder has not played since a 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen at the end of August.

“Obviously in this period he has had out he has been really good because he has gone and watched some games for us,” said Ross.

“The information he provided has been very helpful in terms of what we put together and how we prepare for the game. He was complimentary and impressed by Hearts’ performance last Friday.

“John Potter was at the game at Arbroath as well. The good thing is we have had eyes on Hearts in the limited games they have had and they will have done the same to us. It is all about trying to cover as many bases as you can in terms of preparation, but certainly Scott’s input has been invaluable.”

Meanwhile, Ross hopes crowd noise is pumped through the Hampden speakers on Saturday as the teams prepare for a surreal Edinburgh derby in an empty 52,000 capacity stadium.

“Certainly, the club asked me if I wanted it at Easter Road, and I said yes,” he said. “I know it can be a little bit strange because it tends to be out of sync with what is happening on the pitch but I do think it helps a little bit. There has been a variety in the Premiership this season. Some stadiums have it, some don’t. I think background noise helps a little bit. My preference is background noise.”

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