Hibs have suffered from cruel cup draws but Celtic kick in the jewels won't end gem of a season – Tam McManus

Being dumped out the Scottish Cup is always a kick in the jewels. But Sunday’s defeat at Celtic Park doesn’t have to take the shine off Hibs’ season. It really could still be a gem even without silverware.

Let’s be honest, both cup draws were so cruel to Hibs I wondered if Craig Levein had been the man with his hands on the balls. Landing away ties to Celtic in both was like a punishment that could only be carved up by a Jambo.

But there is a positive. Being pumped out the cup might just clear the way for Hibs to go and grab the lucrative Euro spot that currently goes to the team that lifts the trophy at Hampden in May. Why? Because nobody left in the tournament is going to stop Celtic going onto win the cup and secure the Treble. I’m certain about that.

That means the Europa League play-off spot - and safety net of Conference League group stage football - will fall back to the team finishing third in the league. Hibs have got themselves into pole position. And I don’t think they’ll be caught on the home straight.

Unlike the cup which would be in the lap of Gods at Hampden for two games, I reckon Hibs are a strong bet to land the Premiership’s best of the rest spot. That race for third has certainly taken on added incentive, added pressure. Ask me and it’s a straight fight between Hibs and Aberdeen.

Hearts are too far off. They would need to go on an incredible run of form and it’s not just one club they’re chasing it’s four. They’re best hope of more Euro group stage football is winning the cup.

Dundee United and Motherwell I can’t imagine will have the consistency to finish third. It’s all in Hibs’ hands. They have a decent run of four fixtures before the split - Kilmarnock away this weekend where they must show again