PA MediaHearts full-back Michael Smith has a “burning desire” to go all the way in the Scottish Cup following three final defeats in the past four seasons.
The Northern Ireland international has played in two losses to Celtic and last season’s extra-time reverse against Rangers.
Hearts moved one step closer to a Hampden return by beating Hamilton 2-0 on Friday night to book their place in Monday evening’s quarter-final draw.
Smith said: “Whoever we get we’ll be looking to win the next round. Most of the lads have been to the final now. A few haven’t.
“I’ve lost three now so I’ve got a burning desire to win a trophy here and try and win that Scottish Cup.
“We had a good season last season finishing third but just couldn’t cap it off with the cup.
“It was disappointing. We had Europe this year and it was a tough start with a lot of games at the start of the season.
“But we’re picking up momentum and we’re churning out the wins. Let’s see where it takes us.”
Smith scored a penalty in the shootout against Celtic in 2020 but his side missed out on the trophy after Hoops goalkeeper Conor Hazard saved twice.
That remains the most painful of his Hampden losses and he is determined to get back there again.
“It was tough,” the 34-year-old said. “We obviously got ahead in the penalties and you’re thinking it could be your year.
“It wasn’t to be but it’s a team game and we pick each other up and we made it to another final after that.
“So we know we can do it, we just need to be a little bit better on the actual day.”
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