We'll be cup for it after bottom half finish blow

NEIL CRITCHLEY is sure Hearts will bounce back from the deflation of missing out on the top six when they face Aberdeen next weekend in what is now a huge Scottish Cup semi-final for the underpressure head coach.

- By Anthony Brown

The Jambos slipped into the bottom half of the Premiership after a 0-0 at Motherwell in their final match before the split, with St Mirren leapfrogging to claim the final spot in the top six.

It was a demoralising blow for the Edinburgh side and their frustrated fans but Critchley, below, has no concerns about any lingering negativity affecting preparations for this Saturday's Hampden showdown with the Dons.

He said: "When you go to a semi-final at Hampden, I don't think motivation will be a problem.