Scottish Cup Final: Smith tips Hibs to ambush Celtic

Dundee United manager Alex Smith believes that Hibernian can end 99 years of frustration if they can take the middle ground in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final.

Only the Easter Road side stand between the Hoops and their first Treble since 1969 and history is against the Edinburgh side who have not lifted the Cup since 1902.

But Tannadice boss Smith admits that this could be the year of the Hibbee if their gameplan is right.

‘‘Celtic have been formidable all season but, on their day, Hibs have the ability to beat them,’’ said Smith.

‘‘Paul Lambert and Neil Lennon are exceptional players. Just one of them can run a game, never mind two of them.

‘‘They can dominate midfield and dictate the flow of a match the two of them can do that.

‘‘But, along with Didier Agathe and Alan Thompson, they don’t score a lot of goals and that may be the key.

‘‘If Hibs can get a semblance of control in midfield, and quieten Sutton and Larsson, which is a very tall order, they have a very good chance of winning.

‘‘Most people would suggest that Celtic would win it and whenever the two teams have met in finals in the past underlines that.

‘‘Celtic are very strong in midfield and keep possession there and can run the game there.

‘‘They have got a goal-man upfront in Henrik Larsson who was the difference between us and them in the semi-final.’’

But Smith refutes the suggestion that the champions’ season could be on the wane after a disappointing end to the campaign, which saw Celtic lose their last two SPL games.

‘‘Celtic haven’t been firing on all cylinders recently and sometimes it is difficult to switch on and off,’’ said Smith.

‘‘However Hibs have also not been doing as well as they were earlier on in the season either.

‘‘But I have had a wee sneaky feeling earlier on in the season that this could be Hibs’ year.

‘‘It has been a long, long time since Hibernian won the Cup - 99 years - and it has to happen for them one year.

‘‘Knowing Alex McLeish as I do, if he gets his tactics right on the day, then the game can go in their favour.’’

Hibs were rocked by the sudden departure of playmaker Russell Latapy ahead of the Hampden Park showdown.

But Smith believes that the input of French flair can alleviate any depression around the team following the Trinidadian’s dismissal for an alleged drink-driving incident.

‘‘The Latapy situation has clouded it over a little bit. He has been a key player with his ability to open things up and score as well,’’ said Smith.

‘‘You don’t replace players like that easily but they have the French lads, like David Zitelli and Marc Libbra, who are also capable of doing that on the big occasion.

‘‘They can score special goals and have great ability.’’

But Smith has warned McLeish that his defensive tactics need to be spot-on if he is to lead the team to victory.

‘‘In a one-off game, you cannot afford to go behind - particularly to Celtic,’’ said Smith.

‘‘Celtic have done magnificently well this season, there is no doubt about that.

‘‘They are a very strong unit but I have a little suspicion that it could be Hibs’ year. It is a Cup final and obviously anything can happen.’’