Paatelainen emphasises key role for Hibs defence

Published on Friday 9 May 2008 22:18

HIBERNIAN manager Mixu Paatelainen hopes his side can make the Celtic supporters restless in tomorrow's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash by frustrating their hosts.

Paatelainen knows any anxiety among the green-and-white hordes can transfer to the pitch and, if it does, he hopes his charges will be able to take full advantage.

After dragging themselves back into the SPL title race, Celtic will be keen to make a decent start at home to a Hibs side anxious for points to maintain their push for third place and Uefa Cup football.

However, Paatelainen is not naive enough to think keeping their opponents quiet during the early stages of the game will be an easy task.

He said: "Of course we can take advantage if the crowd get edgy if the game goes our way.

"I am sure they will come out strongly and try to score early goals to settle the game and they will then try and control the tempo.

"Celtic have been winning recently so the title race is wide open now.

"We took a point off Rangers last week so hopefully we can upset Celtic this week.

"We look after our interests and try to accumulate as many points as possible to try to get into the Uefa Cup."

Paatelainen has pinpointed Scott McDonald in attack and midfielder Barry Robson as the main threat to their chances of leaving Glasgow with something to show for their efforts.

McDonald has netted an impressive 24 league goals in his maiden season for champions, while Robson was named Clydesdale Bank Player of the Month for April after enjoying a rich vein of form.

He added: "We know we have to defend well though because they have powerful strikers and Scott McDonald is in very good goal scoring form at the minute.

"They always put quality crosses in so it will be a very tough game. In midfield, Barry Robson adds a lot to the midfield and he has done tremendously well.

"I think that's one of the reasons they are winning. The midfield area as well is one we need to be on guard."

Meanwhile, Paatelainen has confirmed midfielder Craig Rocastle will join the club for a trial on Monday.

The Englishman, who failed to land a contract at St Mirren earlier this week, spent six months on loan at Hibs from Chelsea in 2004 and is a free agent after being released by Port Vale.

Paatelainen said: "Craig will come next week and train with us and we will see how that goes. He did really well when he was here last time and it was a pity he left.

"He is coming to train with us for a couple of days and we will see how that goes."

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen welcomes back Colin Nish, Guillaume Beuzelin and Thierry Gathuessi from suspension for tomorrow's match.

Right-back Kevin McCann is struggling to be fit after aggravating a knee injury in last week's draw with Rangers.

Midfielder Merouane Zemmama is definitely out and remains sidelined with a broken foot.