Hibernian aim to prove 'big club' status in Hearts Scottish Cup derby

The Gorgie men romped the Ladbrokes Championship last season to gain promotion to the top flight, leaving their Edinburgh rivals behind, but Hibs won one and drew two of their four league derby meetings.

And after beating Ladbrokes Premiership outfits Aberdeen, Dundee United and St Johnstone to reach the League Cup final against Ross County next month, Oxley is not fazed by taking on a Hearts side who are now sitting behind the Dons and leaders Celtic in the top flight.

The 25-year-old, who joined Alan Stubbs' side last summer from Hull after spending a season on loan at Easter Road, looked back at the jousts with the Jambos last campaign and said: "I felt at the time we were more than a match for them.

"They were brilliant last season, they ran away with the league.

"But in the games we played, like the games we played against Premiership teams this season, we more than matched them and we have to use that going into Sunday.

"We still fancy ourselves as a big club in Scotland. We have had some good wins this season and we fancy ourselves against anybody.

"We know how good a team they are and they added to their group as well.

"They have been doing really well this season, we have looked at them this week and what we are likely to expect, and hopefully we can go there and get a result."

Hibernian sit eight points behind Rangers at the top of the Championship and have lost only one game - to the Light Blues - since last August.

Oxley believes that form is due to the strength of the squad manager Stubbs has assembled.

"The manager has brought in a lot of quality and you have to perform week in, week out," Oxley said.

"If not, someone will come in and take your place and that competition for places is what has driven us on this season.

"And if someone is rested or injured there is someone there more than capable of coming in to do their job. We have full belief in anyone that the manager puts out.

"We have to keep using that and progressing this season and hopefully we will get the rewards."