ALAN STUBBS, the Hibernian manager, insists that refusing to give Rangers a guard of honour at Easter Road should not be viewed as a sign of disrespect.

The Edinburgh side are not expected to clap their visitors on to the pitch this evening when their Scottish Cup final opponents' play in the league for the first time since winning the Ladbrokes Championship title.

Last season, Hibernian were the first team not to afford city rivals Hearts the honour following the Tynecastle side's championship triumph after Queen of the South, Rangers and Alloa Athletic had all provided them with a pre-match ovation.

They claimed that decision was based on safety concerns and, whilst that was not presented as a consideration this time round, Stubbs feels his club should not be accused of bad manners if they allow the occasion to pass without a public show of respect.

"We're not going to be getting wrapped up in all that,” he said. “You'll just have to wait and see.

"If you're talking about honour, I was probably the first one to ring Mark (Warburton) and David (Weir) right after the Dumbarton game. It was half 10 at night.

"I spoke to them both personally. I didn't want to just leave a voicemail. I wished them all the best, congratulated them, told them how well I thought they'd done this season. They've been the better team over the season, so I think that's quite honourable.

"If you’re asking me, I would say it would be better when you are at home, your last home game of the season. That's where I would want it, but the most important thing is that we get a game of football between two good teams, live on television, showcasing potentially what could be in store come the Scottish Cup final."

Pressed to say whether Hibs definitely would or would not pay tribute to Rangers before kick-off, Stubbs added: "If we don't do it, it doesn't mean we are doing anything wrong as a football club.

"We've been very respectful, very honourable in everything.

"I can stand here and say Rangers have been the best team, they deserve to go up as champions. They did very well on Sunday.

"There is no animosity between me and Rangers, my past playing for Celtic has nothing to do with it whatsoever.

"They are worthy champions, and we want to beat the champions."