Wouter Vrancken challenges Hearts to play through pain barrier and battle past Hibs at Hampden

Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken has urged his squad to push through injury difficulties as they prepare to face rivals Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Hearts recently played with eight players sidelined during a draw with Rangers, where makeshift full-back Rogers Mato also suffered a muscle issue.

Despite the squad's fitness struggles and a heavy defeat to Celtic, Hearts have responded with improved performances against Motherwell and Rangers. Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk noted that his past encounters with Vrancken in Belgium have prepared his side for Hearts' distinct style of play.