Hearts manager Craig Levein has insisted that his side know what is at stake in their Scottish Cup replay with Partick Thistle.
The Jambos could reach their second semi-final in the same season for the first time for 14 years if they beat Thistle and the Hearts boss is confident that his side will be motivated to get the win.
“We don’t have Celtic this time so that gives us a better chance,” said Levein, as quoted by the BBC.
“If we can get through it will be our second semi-final in the same season – that’s not been done for 14 years here so that’s a big carrot for us.
“The players know what’s at stake. They’ll be keyed up to make up for the draw last week when they should have won.”
The Jambos picked up their first win in four games at the weekend and will surely take confidence going into the clash with the Championship strugglers.
Levein’s side was knocked out in the semi-finals of the League Cup earlier in the season and would face Inverness Caley Thistle if they get past Partick.
Thistle’s late equaliser in the first meeting between the sides sent it to a replay but Hearts really should have picked up the win.
A repeat in the replay would surely send Hearts to Hampden next month.