Derek Riordan is willing to mix it up under Calderwood

Former Newcastle assistant Calderwood immediately set his sights on closing the gap to the Old Firm at his unveiling on a three-year deal on Monday night. But to do so the 36-times capped former Scotland defender says he will not solely place emphasis on an entertaining brand to earn results, more a desire to achieve success whatever the means.

Hibs fans have long preferred a more free-flowing, attractive approach but such a policy failed to save John Hughes' job.

Riordan therefore insists a passing approach married to a more direct style could work to Calderwood's advantage as he seeks to quickly lift Hibs from eighth spot in the league.

The 27-year-old said: "We have tried to play football since the start of the season and, while that's good to watch, we've maybe not been creating enough chances. I think that we've maybe been a bit too slow going forward.

"If the new manager comes in and changes it around, maybe makes us that bit more direct, then I think that might be a good thing for the strikers and the attacking players.

"Getting the ball forward quicker would help us to get forward and create more chances. I think it should be good for us.

"Chris Hogg got two goals on Saturday (against Kilmarnock) and the second one came from a kick straight up the park. It just shows you, it doesn't matter how sexy the football is, just as long as you get the right results."

Hogg's double earned Hibs a much-needed first win in over seven months at Easter Road, achieved under the temporary stewardship of coaching duo Alistair Stevenson and Gareth Evans. Ex-Tottenham defender Calderwood has since taken the reins and will make his dug-out bow at Aberdeen on Saturday.

Riordan admits the 45-year-old's arrival has simply added to the new optimism following the weekend triumph.

The three-time Scotland cap added: "The manager came in to meet us on Tuesday morning, we had a bit of a meeting to get to know one another and then went out to train.

"Everyone enjoyed it, everyone was flying into tackles in training trying to impress - that always happens when a new manager comes in.

"I think everyone feels fresh because there is someone new in charge. All of the boys will feel that they deserve a chance to be playing in the team and we all want to show that to the manager.

"After the win on Saturday there is a bit of a buzz about the place anyway."

There are 16 Hibs players out of contract at the end of the season, but Hogg is not concerned by the situation.

"The new manager has enough time to assess the situation and do what he sees fit to progress the football club forward," said the captain. "Ultimately, that's what it's about, the club.

"Players come and go and managers come and go, as we've seen.

One thing that remains is the club and it's in good hands."x