Not for 100 years has the Scottish Cup been paraded down Leith Walk in glorious triumph.

And, just eight months after former manager Alex McLeish led the Edinburgh club to the Final at Hampden, few seriously expect the misfiring club to end a century of dishonour this year either.

The very notion of capturing a trophy appears fanciful in the extreme for a team who, at the moment, would settle for a mere goal to lift their depleted spirits.

Sauzee, who once spoke fondly of the possibility of succeeding McLeish, may now wonder why the job appeared so attractive as he searches in vain for the first managerial win which he hopes will transform both his and his side's fortunes.

Forget 100 years ago. The mere mention of last year's feats is sufficient to induce a headache in those who follow the fortunes of the Easter Road club at present.

Coaxing and cajoling, Sauzee introduced a hint of steel into his managerial armour and warned the players who have scored just once under his tutelage: 'I will bring new players in this summer, so the players who are here have to prove they have the mentality to play here next year.

'Every game for us now is difficult and we must stop the slide. I have asked all the players to forget about themselves just now and think only about the future of the club.

'They need to show me they have it in them to do that. The experienced players must help the younger ones.

'It is desperate now that we get a win. We are not in a good situation and every game, including Stranraer, is a fight. All the players must have the mentality to win as a fighter.'

The potential loss of captain and creative force John O'Neil does little to enhance the Hibs cause as the midfielder battles injury, with Sauzee adding: 'John is a big influence.

'Ever since he arrived in Edinburgh, he has done very well and he is an example to everyone. It will be difficult for him to play, but I will leave it until Tuesday to see how he is.'

With striker Tam McManus confirmed as an absentee until the end of the season after a double ankle break in Saturday's defeat to Dundee, it's a time for all hands on deck.

That's a point far from lost on Bosnian Alen Orman, who seems ready to shrug aside a groin strain in order to make his first appearance since the festive draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Orman, whose generous offer to play for Nigeria - the country of his fiancee's birth - was rebuffed by the Africans, emphasised the importance of disposing with tonight's Second Division opponents.

He said: 'It's a game this club cannot afford to lose. We are playing at home and now we have to show to the fans we can make it better.

'You would have to ask the manager what the problem is at the moment. We are all together. We win together and we lose together and we have to start to win again.

'Everyone has to take it on the chin and work hard. I think every game is important, including the Cup.

'I think we just need to get a win and then we could maybe get a run. But we have to show the supporters we are better than our league position would suggest.'

The current league position, as a matter of record, is currently second bottom. Contrasted with last season when the UEFA Cup-bound club lay second ahead of Rangers and en course for Hampden, the difference is as regrettable as it is remarkable.

Orman, however, believes all is not yet lost, adding: 'Last year, the club went to the Cup Final and the fans expect success this season.

'Last year was a great year and the fans want the same, but this time we have not had the success or the luck.

'But I hope and I think we are good enough to reach a better league position than where we are at the moment.'

Sauzee, meanwhile, has fined Frenchman Frederic Arpinon after the former Troyes AC midfielder was sent off for spitting at Dundee's Temuri Kestbaia on Saturday.

'I have fined Freddie, but what we spoke about was between ourselves. I said I agreed with the referee's decision and that I and the club could not accept that.

'Spitting is not in my conception of football. Freddie is very angry with himself and knows it is a bad attitude to take. But he can show a positive reaction from it.