ROBBIE Neilson last night pledged to honour the memory of former Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas by winning the William Hill Scottish Cup final next month.

Neilson admitted that he had been devastated to learn of the death of his former team mate Zaliukas at the age of just 36 before the semi-final against Hibernian at Hampden yesterday.

He withheld the terrible news from his players and they went out and beat Hibs 2-1 thanks to a Liam Boyce penalty in the second period of extra-time

The Lithuanian defender was the captain of the Tynecastle club when they defeated their Edinburgh rivals 5-1 to win the Scottish Cup back in 2012.

Neilson believes that overcoming either Aberdeen or Celtic in the final on December 20 will be a fitting tribute to a Gorgie great.

“Firstly, it’s absolutely devastating for everyone at the club,” he said. “I found out a minute or two before the start of the game. I didn’t speak to the players about it. Just after the game.

“I knew Marius very well, he was here as a player with me and I knew him for a number of years. It’s devastating for everyone at the club because he is synonymous with the 5-1.

“Hopefully it’s fitting today’s result, another game against Hibs and a victory at Hampden. He is in all of our thoughts tonight.

“Yes, we are celebrating and are happy about getting the result, but we are also feeling it for Marius’s family because he was a top guy and I had a great relationship with him. He has had a difficult couple of years.”

Asked if he would like to win the final for Zaliukas, Neilson said: “Absolutely, 100 per cent. I would take another 5-1 win, whoever we play against, that would be great.”