Colin Nish says sorry for attack on Hibs fans after weekend derby defeat

The Hibs striker was unhappy with criticism aimed at manager John Hughes by the club's supporters and, speaking in newspapers at the weekend, he had said: "Probably only about five per cent of them know what they are talking about anyway.

"The rest of them just go to moan at people. So it doesn't surprise me. If we were winning games they'd get bored that we were winning."

However, Nish says he now regrets those comments and has issued an apology. Speaking on the club's official website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk, Nish said: "As a lifelong supporter of the club, the team's recent results have been disappointing for me – as they have been for all supporters – and that frustration led to me making comments that I immediately regretted.

"Now I would like the opportunity to set the record straight and apologise to the fans for any upset caused. I'd never intend to criticise the supporters of Hibernian because, as I've said before, I am a fan of this club and so are my family and my friends."

Hibs travel to Motherwell tomorrow for a match which will have a huge bearing on the race for Europa League football next season. Nish added: "With so much at stake heading into the Motherwell match, it is massively important that everyone pulls together and that we are united in pursuing the same goal – achieving fourth place."