Rangers stopped Celtic's Treble hopes, how big a moment is that for Gio van Bronckhorst?
KEITH JACKSON: Probably too big to quantify. This time last week they were queuing up to question van Bronckhorst’s credentials. But two phenomenal performances in the space of four days has changed everything for the Dutchman.
MICHAEL GANNON: Massive. Rangers will now fancy themselves to go on and lift the trophy next month – but it will also breathe life into the title race. It’s not done yet.
GORDON PARKS: It’s a huge moment for the Dutchman as he needs to get his hands on a trophy to get his Gers managerial career up and running. It’s clear with the effort his side have put in over successive extra-time wins this is a real turning point for van Bronckhorst.
FRASER WILSON: Hugely important. Performances in the big one-off cup ties have been impressive, and again yesterday the energy they showed after their Euro exploits was incredible. His team won the midfield battle and snuffed out Celtic ’s main threats.
Celtic passed up the chance at the Treble but how big a missed opportunity is it?
KEITH JACKSON: That will have been a sore one for Ange Postecoglou, and not just because of the end result. Too many of the big Aussie’s star turns failed to turn up for their work. They were beaten by the team with more desire.
MICHAEL GANNON: It wasn’t like it was a tap-in for Celtic. Rangers have shown they are a quality side, and it was always going to be a close encounter.
GORDON PARKS: Celtic’s momentum has been stopped in its tracks and it’s a worry that they looked like they’d run out of steam and attacking ideas. The game was lost with their wastefulness in the final third on a disappointing day for the Hoops.
FRASER WILSON: The Hoops never really turned up. Jon McLaughlin didn’t have to make a save. They will be kicking themselves at the performance but should Celtic, as expected, clinch the Double then nothing will take away from a stunning season.
Do you give Hearts a chance of winning the Scottish Cup?
KEITH JACKSON: It’s going to be a huge ask to stop Rangers in their tracks, but you don’t need to look too far back in the history books to see that it can be done. Just ask Hibs.
MICHAEL GANNON: Hearts have a better chance of causing an upset than any other side in Scotland outside Celtic. They will be underdogs but will have a right go in the final.
GORDON PARKS: Hearts will fancy their chances against Rangers as Robbie Neilson has assembled a side full of character and attacking edge. On their day they’re as good as anyone and a big performance at Hampden in May can take the trophy back to Gorgie.
FRASER WILSON: In a one-off game they have a real chance of making a really good season a great one. Hearts have matchwinners in every area from Craig Gordon in goal to Barrie McKay, Ellis Simms and Liam Boyce in attack. It should be a fantastic final.
Is Shaun Maloney under pressure at Hibs?
KEITH JACKSON: No. Maloney needs time to get his fledgling career up and running and to fully implement his ideas. This season has been a write- off. But he’ll have to hit the ground running when the new campaign begins.
MICHAEL GANNON: Maloney has struggled early on, but he needs time and a couple of transfer windows. This season has been a write-off, but let’s see what he does over the summer. The squad certainly sounds like they are behind him.
GORDON PARKS: Maloney is under pressure as he’s not looking like a manager who can get Hibs playing in a settled style or consistency. Fans are unconvinced and it could be a short spell in the capital if he can’t trigger a massive improvement and quickly.
FRASER WILSON: He should be under pressure as Hibs shouldn’t be finishing in the bottom six. Sacking Jack Ross was strange but two wrongs don’t make a right. Maloney deserves a transfer window and a pre-season to put his stamp on the side.
