"It's been a rocky road, but the last four or five years have been hugely significant in the history of the club," he said.

"Look at the stadium, stuff still needs (to be) fixed, but there's a lot of money being spent, a lot of work being done both cosmetically and behind the scenes in the academy.

"Getting to a final would be superb, everything for me. I have such a long affiliation with the club and I don't see it as a job. I see it as a labour of love.

"I'm just delighted to be representing the club in this position – or in both the positions I represent them in.

"It means more to me than anything that this club should be successful. I'll be doing my best every week to make that happen.

"It's a huge thing for us. Getting to the semi-final is good – but the final is the thing, isn't it? To be there and win the cup."

Hearts made heavy work of finishing off Championship strugglers Thistle, despite largely dominating two matches, and Inverness are pushing for a play-off place.

But Levein said: "From our point of view it's a great opportunity. I'm not being disrespectful to Inverness in any way, shape or form, but they are a team from the lower league so we will be the bookies' favourites I'm sure, and I prefer it that way going into the game.

"But we are up against Robbo, his team will be superbly well-organised and they work extremely hard, and there is one thing about him, he will have a go."

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