Chris Hogg challenges Hibs to be best of the rest

Hogg captained Hibs back into the Clydesdale Bank Premier League top three on Wednesday night when they snatched a shock victory at Celtic.

Despite closing to within two points of their opponents, John Hughes' men are refusing to talk about splitting the Old Firm.

But they are under orders to finish as the best of the rest, a position they briefly surrendered to Dundee United this month.

Centre-half Hogg insists failure to hold on to third place is not an option ahead of today's game with St Mirren. "That'll be the ultimate disappointment because we've managed to perform at a level where we've been sat second (or] third in the league for most of the season," he said.

"It'll be a major disappointment of the season if we do drop out. It's something I'm focused on, making sure it doesn't happen."

Hughes went public with his target for the season last weekend but Hogg revealed the squad knew all about it ever since the boyhood Hibs fan took charge last summer.

"We've had that goal all season to be honest," he said. "It's nice now that it's out in the open and we can go about our business knowing that's what we need to achieve."

And if it was down to ability, Hogg insists the Edinburgh club will have third place wrapped up come May.

"That's not in doubt," the 24-year-old said. "Ability-wise, we've got a number of players that could play for any team in the league.

"What has been scrutinised ever since I've been at the football club has been the mental attitude and sometimes the application of the team. It's been a lot better this year in patches and we need to really improve on that in the second part of the season."

Meanwhile, St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson hopes to sign two more players before Monday's transfer deadline after recruiting Rory Loy on loan from Rangers.

The 21-year-old striker has joined the Buddies until the summer and MacPherson is closing in on more reinforcements following the sale of Stephen McGinn to Watford and the departure of Dennis Wyness and Mo Camara.

"Every player is different but it's an opportunity for Rory to come in and certainly compete for a first-team slot," MacPherson said.

"We were down to three strikers. Rory's a young, talented striker with a lot of pace and we believe he can add something to the squad. He will be added to the squad for the game at Easter Road."

MacPherson added: "We've got one or two bits going on, whether they will be finalised before tomorrow's game, I don't know. But we will be hopeful we can add another couple of new faces before Monday at midnight."