MARINK Reedijk is looking forward to his first taste of the Edinburgh Derby and the extra incentive of taking the Club to its first final in the last five years.

And he is confident in the progress his own side are making – particularly in the most recent matches against Celtic and St Mirren in midweek.

“It’s a special match in several ways,” Reedijk explained during his pre-match press conference.

“These are the games that, as a little boy, a player, a member of staff or a fan, you look forward to.

“It’s not only a derby, but it’s also a semi-final, and we’re one step away from a final.

“That’s a double excitement, which is why I’m very much looking forward to this game.

“Of course, it’s different because normally these games take place at the stadium of one of the two clubs.

“Now it’s at Hampden, with both teams having half the stadium and both sets of supporters there.

“It’s a different atmosphere, but at the same time, it’s a football match.

“We need to focus on what we have to do on the pitch.”

Having previously faced Hearts’ Head Coach Wouter Vrancken’s teams during his time in Belgium, Reedijk is aware of the challenge that awaits.

 “I think we’re compact together defensively, and we’re defending on the front foot.

“Against both Celtic and St Mirren, we’ve recovered the ball high up the pitch a few times.

“On the ball, we have clear patterns, and you can see certain things coming back into our play. So, absolutely, we’re progressing.

“There’s a certain intensity and togetherness in the team, but also from the fans.

“The only thing you can control is what you do. We just need to focus on our way of playing and make small adaptations to ensure we dictate the game.

“From there, we have to take the game our way. That’s where our focus needs to be.”

Reedijk has also been able to draw on the experience of his coaching staff, with Guillaume Beuzelin among those who have experienced previous Edinburgh derbies and helped prepare the squad for the task that lies ahead. 

He added: “They’re electric, special matches. They make me smile already, and they’re games you look forward to because anything can happen.

“You can prepare a lot, as you do in football generally, but sometimes you find yourself thinking: ‘Wow, what’s happening here?’

“The result is important, very important.

“It’s an opportunity to go there, show ourselves and make sure we get a result.”

The Hibs Manager provided a positive team news update, noting that Martin Boyle is back fit and ready to go ahead of the weekend.

Reedijk said: “I think the squad is still much the same. Boyle is back, though, and he is feeling better.

“We’re also looking at whether Callum Wright can make the bench, but we’ll make that decision tomorrow. Miguel (Chaiwa) is fine after his knock in midweek.”