Three-way share of prizes for first time in 17 years

HEARTS’ victory over Celtic yesterday has ensured three different clubs will claim Scottish football’s top prizes this season for the first time in 17 years.

Hibs await their Edinburgh rivals at Hampden in the 19 May showpiece, with the winning side joining SPL champions Celtic and Scottish Communities Cup winners Kilmarnock as the holders of this country’s major silverware.

The last time there was a similarly even spread of glory was the 1994/95 campaign, which saw Rangers triumph in the top flight. The Scottish Cup was lifted by Tommy Burns’ Celtic, while Raith Rovers shocked the nation to defeat Celtic in the League Cup final.

Despite a 110-year wait for the Scottish Cup and a ten-game winless streak against Hearts, Hibs players last night took to Twitter to express their excitement over the biggest Edinburgh derby since 1896. James McPake, Hibs’ captain and man of the match in Saturday’s semi-final win over Aberdeen, wrote: “Wow, May 19th has just got even bigger! See you all there.” On-loan defender Georgie Francomb added: “Cannot wait. Let’s do this boys!!! Hibs v Hearts.” Meanwhile, Hearts youth player Jamie Walker, who is on loan at Raith Rovers, wrote: “Bring on the wee team #1902.”