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Hibernian vs Dundee United. Scottish Cup Semi-Final.

Hampden ParkAttendance19,651.

Hibernian win 4-2 on penalties.

Scottish Cup: Hibernian v Dundee United semi-final preview

Dundee United midfielder Paul Paton
Image: Dundee United midfielder Paul Paton has been cleared to face Hibs

Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen has received a boost ahead of Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibernian at Hampden Park - live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12pm - after captain Paul Paton was passed fit.

The Northern Ireland international midfielder was struggling with a recurrence of his earlier knee problem but has been cleared to face the Championship side.

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Paton was sidelined for nine months after suffering his previous knee injury but has impressed since his return to action in January.

Paatelainen said: "Paul has been magnificent for us, he's a leader not only by his actions and his performances. His crunching tackles are vitally important for us, we are delighted that Paul is fit and available to play."

One man who will miss the trip to Glasgow is defender Gavin Gunning, who was released by Paatelainen earlier this week following his bizarre exit from the game against Inverness, while fellow centre-back Mark Durnan is suspended.

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Dundee United Mixu Paatelainen says his side must be positive on Saturday

Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs, whose side have won only two of their last 11 matches, faces a goalkeeping dilemma and will have to decide between Otso Virtanen and Conrad Logan as first-choice Mark Oxley is suspended, along with forward James Keatings.

Hibs romped to 3-0 win over United in a League Cup quarter-final tie at Easter Road in November.

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Hibs manager Alan Stubbs says his side are desperate to win their Scottish Cup semi-final against Dundee United

Jason Cummings was on target for Hibees that day and he believes the defeat will preoccupy the Taysiders' minds at the national stadium.

The 20-year-old said: "They have been struggling a bit this season and have lost the majority of games they have played and we have won the majority of games we have played so I think that will come into play a wee bit.

Jason Cummings celebrates after scoring Hibernian's winner at Alloa
Image: Jason Cummings has been in fine goalscoring form for Hibs this season

"And I think it will be in the back of their minds, the fact that we have already beaten them 3-0.

"That night we were different class and we battered them off the pitch. It was a comfortable 3-0 and it could have been more.

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Luke Shanley reports from Hampden Park, where the pitch has been relaid ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-finals

"I think that is massive for us, the fact that we have already beaten them and beaten them comfortably. The boys will go into Saturday knowing we can do it again and I am buzzing for it."

Watch Hibernian v Dundee United in the Scottish Cup semi-finals live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12pm on Saturday.

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