Hearts star Andy Halliday admits he pushed himself to the limit to face Hibs after he hobbled off in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi final.
He watched from the stands as the final whistle blew at Hampden to give Hearts derby day bragging rights for the second time in a week.
The 30-year-old picked up an ankle injury after scoring a brace in last weekend's Edinburgh Derby but braved the pain barrier to face the same opposition in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
However his game was cut short 39 minutes into the clash after aggravating the same injury from Tynecastle the previous week.
And Halliday believes if it wasn't a semi final, he probably wouldn't have been risked by boss Robbie Neilson at all.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "I was gutted that I had to come off.
"I gave myself every opportunity that I could to try to get myself fit.
"But to be honest, if it wasn't a semi-final then I probably wouldn't have been out there from the start.
"I'm just absolutely delighted for the boys.
"We showed so much character in the second half. Credit to Hibs as they came back into it but we dug in and we are in a Scottish Cup final."
Halliday, who was on his feet cupping his ears at the Hearts support at full time, admits he could be sore for a few weeks but enough ice should see him fine for the May 21 final.
"It will probably be sore for the next couple of weeks, I imagine," he added.
"But I don't think it's too bad.
"21st of May? I'll have so much ice (on the ankle) till then so it will be fine."
