Hibernian 0-0 Rangers: Hibernian and Rangers will have to wait a while longer to discover who will progress to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup following a pulsating tie which had everything except goals.
It proved to be a busy afternoon for the goalkeepers with both sides creating plenty of chances but ultimately lacking the cutting edge required to decide the tie.
There was even an unexpected debut for new Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander after Allan McGregor was sent-off with just a few minutes remaining of an action-packed encounter.
Twenty four hours after Alan Hutton made a fine debut for Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League, Rangers boss Walter Smith was forced to draft Kirk Broadfoot into the right-back slot after Steven Whittaker missed today's trip to Easter Road through injury.
Jean-Claude Darcheville dropped to the bench allowing the introduction of Steven Naismith. Darcheville was impressive against Hearts in the CIS Insurance Cup triumph midweek but is still lacking match fitness after a season plagued by injury.
New signings Christian Dailly and goalkeeper Alexander were named among the substitutes but there was no room in the 16-man squad for fellow new recruit Steve Davis, following his deadline day loan move from Fulham.
The fifth round tie provided Hibs with their first match since the Edinburgh derby defeat two weeks ago, allowing Ian Murray and John Rankin to make their home debuts.
Rangers claimed for a penalty within seconds of kick-off. Naismith went to ground under pressure from Kevin McCann but there appeared to be little contact and referee Craig Thomson signalled for play to continue.
Lee McCulloch then tried his luck with a 20-yard drive but fired straight at Yves Ma-Kalambay and the effort was dealt with by the Hibs goalkeeper.
Merouane Zemmama gave Hibs hope of an early opener when he embarked on an impressive run down the left flank from the halfway line but he was eventually halted by Broadfoot with Rankin and Steven Fletcher both loitering with intent in front of goal.
Ma-Kalambay needed to prevent a smart left-footed shot from Barry Ferguson from finding the net, pulling off a fine save after the Ibrox skipper had collected a Chris Burke pass.
Hibs were under pressure again when Sasa Papac was allowed to race unchallenged down the left flank before setting up McCulloch, who scooped the ball over from close range.
The midfielder had the chance to make amends when he connected with a Charlie Adam ball at the back post and nodded across goal only for the header to trickle wide.
Hibs should have taken the lead shortly before half-time. Dean Shiels' firm shot was deflected inches wide, before Fletcher's header was hooked off the line by Naismith.
McCulloch had proved troublesome in the opening period and saw his point-blank header held by Ma-Kalambay shortly after the restart.
Rankin then whipped a great ball across the goalmouth with Zemmama sliding in at the back post - but the little Moroccan could not quite make the connection.
Ferguson was not too far away with a right-footed volley which swerved just wide, before McGregor produced a superb save to deny Fletcher's equally impressive shot.
A controversial opener almost followed.
Shiels controlled the ball with his hand before finding Fletcher in plenty of space. The striker rounded McGregor and looked certain to leave score - but Papac came to Rangers' rescue by nodding to safety.
Adam could have been the hero for the visitors when Broadfoot was felled on the edge of the box and he stepped up for the free-kick. His curling effort was well struck but Ma-Kalambay dramatically punched clear.
Adam made way for Kris Boyd soon after, with Darcheville having already come off the bench to bolster the attack.
McGregor's excellent match ended when the keeper was shown a straight red card with three minutes to go for racing off his line and clattering into Shiels as he bore down on goal.
Alexander took over in the Rangers goal - but he was not troubled by Shiels' free-kick and the tie ended goalless.
