Ibrox test is a chance for Hibs to show they have the minerals to make something of a season of promise

Everyone seems to be looking at Hearts as the great hope of winning a cup, splitting the Old Firm or doing something even more outrageous if Celtic carry on tearing themselves apart in public. But why not Hibs?

Well, maybe because, for all the progress made within their ranks in the last nine months or so, David Gray’s side have never really shown they’ve got the minerals when it matters most.

For the record, Gray has done a splendid job at Easter Road. He took over the manager’s role as a rookie trying to find his way against the backdrop of tension and disagreement at boardroom level.

He also looked for all the world like a dead man walking after a horrendous start to last season.

However, he handled such adversity with elegance, honesty and aplomb, won over his doubters, showed his true personality and eventually got his team motoring in the right direction. He deserved a third-place finish and deserved a new contract.

However, the fact remains that his side went to a largely underwhelming Celtic in a Scottish Cup quarter-final on a strong and unbeaten run of form and just didn’t quite live up to expectations in losing 2-0.

They left Parkhead that day having recorded three shots with just one on target. Even Gray admitted they weren’t as good as they had been when presented with opportunities.

It’s why next Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final is coming at such a great time. It’s a real chance to showcase their ability and their ambition — the ambition that saw them break their club transfer record in the summer on Thibault Klidje — and prove they are a force to be properly reckoned with.

There were clear signs of what they possess in Europe earlier this term, although it has to be pointed out that losses to Midtjylland and Legia Warsaw came as a result of losing last-gasp goals and being guilty of poor game management.

Next weekend, Hibs are up against a Rangers side that look vulnerable at the back in a stadium where pretty much all of the paying spectators would happily have manager Russell Martin tarred and feathered in the centre-circle as the pre-match entertainment.

Do the old Cabbage and Ribs have the players to make life difficult for their hosts at Ibrox? Indubitably.

Do they have a manager capable of constructing an effective game plan? No doubt.

The big question is whether the mentality exists to pull off a heist on the big occasion. To see it through until the bitter end.

What a challenge it is for them. What a platform. What a proving ground.

Hibs are on the right track under Gray. It is time to find out, though, if they are really going places.