ALAN STUBBS, the Hibernian manager, insisted he was not surprised by his team’s late comeback in the Edinburgh derby and hoped the rest of Scotland would now realise just how good his players are.

The two Capital sides will meet again a week on Tuesday in a Scottish Cup replay which looked a less than likely outcome when, with ten minutes of the fifth round tie at Tynecastle remaining, Hearts were leading by two goals.

However, Hibs scored twice with the equaliser from Paul Hanlon coming in injury time. They deserved another crack at getting to the quarter-final and Stubbs hoped that those who have questioned his side’s spirit would see how wrong they are.

“I am satisfied because I thought that the least we deserved out of the game was a draw,” said Stubbs. “We got in at half-time and I was wondering how we were two goals down – but we were. Their first goal was a good strike, I thought we could have defended better at the second.

“I told them at half-time that the next goal was vital. We felt we could get it and then go on get something from the game, and so it proved. I thought we were fantastic in the second-half, I really do. We have pinned a really good Hearts team back for the majority of the half and I have got say we got the least we deserved.

“It didn’t tell me anything new about them because I already knew. It is other people who have questioned the players. I have said all along that I have 100 per cent belief in this team; they are really good. I enjoy coming to work, I enjoy being around them, I enjoy their company, believe it or not.

“They have great team spirit, a fantastic bond between themselves and when you have that, and ability which is most important, anything is possible.”

Hibs had already beaten three Premiership teams this season and were more than a match for Hearts who sit third in the top tier.

“I honestly believe they could comfortably play in the Premiership,” said Stubbs. “All this is doing is confirming that, hopefully, when we go up we will be competitive in the top flight. I have never really thought it would be a struggle against the teams at the top because the amount of quality and ability we have in such a young team.”

Robbie Neilson, the Hearts manager, was understandably downbeat having watched his team conceded two late goals but was hopeful his own supporters will have a night to remember in the replay at Easter Road.

“It’s disappointing. We had a really good first half where I think we dominated the game and created a lot of chances," said Neilson.

“In the second half, the weather got really bad and we got penned in a wee bit and couldn’t get out. I still expected them to defend a two goal lead but to lose two goals at the end is disappointing - but it’s happened.

“If the hoe was on the other foot we’d be delighted, but the end result is the same.

“We now have another derby game to look forward to, another money-spinner for both clubs, which is a great. It’s another big one for the fans and if we get through that it will be even better than winning it at first time of asking.

"It’s going to be a tough game for us. The pressure was on us at home at Tynecastle, as it always is in a derby. I think at Easter Road, there is less expectation on us and we can go there with a good chance of getting a result.

“It’s a different game for the home team. It will be tough for Hibs.”