Hibs must wait to learn Euro opening

The Easter Road outfit's fate will rest on the outcome of next Saturday's Active Nation Scottish Cup final when tomorrow's opponents Dundee United take on First Division Ross County.

The fifth place Hibs currently occupy would be good enough to qualify for Europe provided United win at Hampden although County will fancy their chances having already wrecked the Cup dream of both the Easter Road club and Celtic.

If that were to happen, only fourth spot in the SPL would guarantee Hibs European football next season. But, even if Hibs overhaul Motherwell, who face champions Rangers at Ibrox in their final match tomorrow, John Hughes won't know if Hibs face an early return to prepare for Europe until the final blast of referee Dougie McDonald's whistle in seven days' time.

If United win the Cup and Hibs finish fourth, the Edinburgh club would go into the third qualifying round for the Europa League which would mean Hughes' side playing on 29 July and 5 August.

However, if United win the Cup and Hibs end the season in fifth, they'd be in action a fortnight earlier, entering in qualifying round two with games on 15 and 22 July.

Hibs' capitulation at Fir Park in midweek, surrendering a four-goal lead and being forced to settle for an incredible 6-6 draw, has taken their fate out of their hands with Hughes today contemplating a number of different outcomes tomorrow.

If Motherwell win Hibs can finish no higher than fifth regardless of the result at Tannadice. If Craig Brown's team take a point in Govan and Hibs either lose or draw, it will be Motherwell, again, who will take fourth. However, if Hibs were to win and the Steelmen draw, Hibs would finish a point ahead of their Euro rivals.

Even a draw against United, provided Motherwell lose, would be enough as Hibs enjoy a superior goal difference to the Lanarkshire side.