The semi-final draw for the Scottish Cup confirmed the nightmare scenario for two players- Dylan McGeouch and Leigh Griffiths.
A Hibs v Celtic final would be an emotional fixture for both men with McGeouch forced to watch from the stand while Griffiths would be out to kill the dreams of supporters that he has sat among for most of his life.
In 2012 and 2013 the on-loan striker was the driving force behind the Leith side’s run to Hampden but on both occasions he had to settle for a runners-up medal for his efforts.
Last season’s Scottish Cup involvement was limited to a brief debut for Celtic in the defeat from Aberdeen but this season he has been central to the hoops run to date with goals against Dundee and Dundee United.
To reach this season’s final Ronny Deila’s side will have to overcome a replay at home to Dundee United followed by a semi-final against Inverness Caley Thistle or Raith Rovers.
Hibs are the form team in the Championship with McGeouch one of the key players in Alan Stubbs side as they chase a double of promotion and an elusive Scottish Cup victory.
Having been drawn against Alloa, Arbroath and Berwick to reach the last four the draw has again been kind with Championship rivals Falkirk standing between Hibs and a third final in four years.
Should Hibs get the better of Falkirk and meet Celtic in the final they will have to go into the match without McGeouch, a fate that Jim O’Brien suffered in 2007 when he helped Dunfermline into the final against Gordon Strachan.
A further complication for the Edinburgh side is that the play-off Final for a place in the Premiership is scheduled for the Thursday and Sunday either side of the Saturday Scottish Cup Final although there is believed to be a plan B to put the second leg back a day.
Looking at the possible fixture congestion- which could equally apply to Falkirk- Stubbs said: “This possibility was always going to potentially arise and the draw has made it more likely. If we do get to that stage, great.
“Whenever you are trying to achieve something, it isn’t just handed to you on a plate. You have to go and take it.
“If we have to play Thursday, Saturday, Monday, in order to achieve success, then that’s what you have to do. Simple as that.”
