O'Donovan backs Hibs in crucial clash

Striker Roy O'Donovan hopes Hibernian's pedigree in one-off matches is evident in Monday's bottom-of-the-table Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Dunfermline.

William Hill Scottish Cup finalists Hibs will enter the fixture with a five-point lead over the Pars at the foot of the table and require just a point to preserve their SPL status and relegate the Pars.

"This is like a cup final on Monday, so it might suit us," O'Donovan said.

"We've got a point to prove. Hopefully we can prove we deserve to stay in the league and get a positive result. Dunfermline have to come to win the game so hopefully we can exploit that if they leave themselves open."

Hibs, who play Hearts in the first all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup final since 1896 on May 19, entered the midweek fixtures with a three-point lead over the Pars. However, Pat Fenlon's men beat Aberdeen 2-1, while Dunfermline drew 0-0 at Inverness. Should the Pars win on Monday, the relegation duel would go to the final day of the season.

Even then, Hibs would have to lose at Inverness and Dunfermline win against Kilmarnock. O'Donovan is determined Hibs, who have a superior goal difference, deliver at Easter Road and end the battle for survival.

He added: "We were delighted (with the win at Pittodrie). It would've been nicer had Inverness nicked a late goal and done the work for us. But fair play to Dunfermline, they didn't chuck it in. They had a great performance against Aberdeen at the weekend and they've put pressure on us.

"They're fighting for their livelihoods. They've done well of late and we're definitely not taking them lightly.

"We've got to step up to the plate like we did on Wednesday night again on Monday and get a result.

"It's going to be a tough game but we've got to be professional."