Robbie Neilson knows a win over Hibs in the Scottish Cup semi final would all but guarantee Hearts a place in the Europa Conference League group stage next season.
Even losing to Rangers or Celtic in the final would be enough, so long as the Jambos finish third in the Premiership - and with a 13 point lead, it would take a monumental collapse for that position to be snatched from them.
But Tynecastle boss Neilson is adamant the European prize - and the estimated £3m it would be worth this club - pales into insignificance compared to the far more primal ambition of knocking their closest and most bitter rival out of the Scottish Cup.
