Hibernian’s deadline day decision to resist interest in Rocky Bushiri paid an instant dividend as the defender struck late to secure a Scottish Cup quarter-final berth.

Linked with moves to Belgium and Egypt, the defender scored with a diving header from close range with three minutes remaining to settle a closely-fought contest with Ayr United.

The Congolese international’s contract is up at the end of the season. He could well be staying for a deep Scottish Cup run after David Gray’s side extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games.

This one was all set to head for extra-time before on-form Bushiri barrelled his way onto a Kieron Bowie flick in a packed penalty area.

A thudding Nectarios Triantis challenge on Connor McLennan just 48 seconds in saw Hibs send a message they wouldn’t shirk the physical challenge under the lights at Somerset.

Rocky Bushiri gets his head on the end of a Kieron Bowie flick-on to net late winner

The defender is mobbed by his team-mates as they celebrate in front of the travelling support

Hibs passed up several opportunities to go in front before finally making the breakthrough

Triantis received a booking, while Bushiri’s desire late on showed that this improving Hibs team are no pushovers.

Former Hibs star Brown’s Championship leaders were a tough opponent. Ayr twice sprang the visiting defence in the first half to send George Oakley bearing down on goal.

The 14-goal striker’s hesitation to find an angle helped Jordan Smith dash from his line to block. Jack Iredale’s perfectly timed tackle snuffed out Oakley’s second sight of goal.

Martin Boyle was most grateful for Bushiri’s late intervention after he had missed two terrific first-half opportunities and an even more glaring one later.

Josh Campbell picked Boyle out in space but George Stanger threw himself in the way to take the sting out the shot, allowing Harry Stone to gather.

On 38 minutes, a beauty of a cross from the left by Iredale found Boyle. The Australian international’s downward header bounded up off the turf and looped up over Stone and his crossbar. It looked easier to score.

Both teams enjoyed patches of pressure in a cagey second half without seriously testing the keepers.

Then, on 82 minutes, Boyle botched a huge chance. Lenny Agbaire failed to clear lively sub Nathan Moriah-Welsh’s hopeful punt up the park. Boyle nipped in but scuffed his shot a yard wide.

Players emerged from the tunnel to a red-hot atmosphere at a packed Somerset Park

Iredale’s long throw and Bowie’s headed flick-on caused just enough mischief for Bushiri to shed his marker and bury his third goal of the season.

Ayr refused to accept defeat. Smith was forced to pull off two terrific late saves from Marco Rus and Curtis Main before the visitors were safely through.

Manager David Gray hailed his players’ ability to dig deep and get over the line, admitting they everything was set up for them to fail against the Championship high-flyers.

‘I’m delighted to be in the next round,’ he said. ‘A lot was said when the draw came out about the potential for an upset and the magic of the cup, the cameras coming down here.

‘Everything about that was geared up for that and Ayr are doing fantastic in the Championship. We always knew it would be a tricky test. But this definitely shows our steely nature.

‘Our character and mentality was questioned this season — and rightly so given where we were, the points we had and during a time of adversity.

‘But on numerous times this season since, we’ve come up with the goods. Full credit to the boys for getting the job done. The character of the group is really strong.’

It was revealed just hours ahead of the fifth-round tie that the club had revealed a loss of £7.2m for the 12-month period to the end of June 2024 — nearly double the previous year’s losses despite a 30 per cent increase in turnover.

Hibs manager David Gray was delighted to see his side book their place in the next round 

Gray said: ‘It’s something I’m aware about but it’s more a question for the hierarchy.

‘One thing I’d say is the club has been really supportive of me, going back to the transfer window at the start of the season. The continued support from the Gordon family in January as well, the support is fully there.

‘The club are comfortable with it. My full focus is to get the right results on the pitch. Wins like this will help because we will get a bit of a reward for success.’

Ayr boss Scott Brown was frustrated that his side’s second-half display didn’t pay off.

‘I thought we came more and more into the game the longer it went,’ he said. ‘We’re obviously playing against a top-quality team with fantastic subs.

‘It shows a lot of respect to our players that they came here with their strongest team.

‘We battled all the way, competed the whole game. I wouldn’t say there was much in it so it’s disappointing to lose a goal so late.

‘It shows you where we’ve got to over the last year and we’re a happy team at this moment in time.’