Hibs boss Mixu not interested in the romance of the Cup

Published on Tuesday 2 December 2008 09:13

MIXU PAATELAINEN today admitted that the prospect of a January double header with Hearts is a mouthwatering one – but insisted his players must put any thoughts of the Edinburgh derby clashes to the back of their minds.

The two sides will go head to head in the league on January 3 at Tynecastle and, following yesterday's draw at Hampden, will meet again the following week in the fourth round of the Homecoming Scottish Cup at Easter Road.

It will be a massive week for both sides and Paatelainen acknowledged that his players will be fighting tooth and nail to be involved in both matches.

However with league games against Celtic, Hamilton, Rangers and Kilmarnock still to come before the derbies, the Finn says his side can't afford to look too far ahead.

He said: "We are really looking forward the game. Obviously everyone is looking forward to Christmas and to the New Year derby but this just gives it something extra.

"The draw is the draw and you go into it knowing that you face anyone. It just so happens that we are playing Hearts and, although it is in the early stages of the competition, there is no point in looking at who else we could have faced.

"For me, it is fantastic, these are exciting games and one that every single player will want to be involved in and are looking forward to.

"We had a fantastic game against them earlier in the season and hopefully the two games will be just the same again."

Colin Nish will be hoping that he can play his way back into the starting line-up in time for the January clashes, having been dropped to the bench in recent games.

Paatelainen admitted that the big striker has been unfortunate to find himself the odd man out in the Hibs front line in recent weeks, dropping to the bench while Steven Fletcher and Derek Riordan are given time to establish a partnership.

The former Kilmarnock man though, showed his worth to the Easter Road side at the weekend when he stepped off the bench to bag Hibs' only goal of the game in the 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

And Paatelainen continued: "Colin has been a bit unlucky, but he is always in my mind and things will change over the course of the season.

"He is a quality striker, he always works hard in training and he has got a great attitude.

"He came on at the weekend against Falkirk and scored our only goal and did well generally so he will get his chance."