Hibs need to ‘grow up’, says Alex Harris

Alex Harris tussles with Aberdeen's Shaleum Logan. Picture: SNS

Striker James Collins made waves yesterday by claiming that the capital club were not realistic contenders for the drop and would “easily” remain in the Scottish Premiership.

However, Harris reckons that, with just four points separating the Hibees and the relegation play-off position, they are in genuine trouble.

Despite an abysmal sequence of just one win in 13, Harris does agree with Collins that Hibs are good enough to ensure they avoid the drop to the Championship, saying: “We just need to accept we are in a relegation fight and grow up and make sure we aren’t there on the last day of the season.

“There is pressure because the fans are getting on our backs and rightly so because we’re not picking up results. But we know we can get out of trouble. I train with the players every day and there are good players here.

“At the moment, we can still be relegated through the play-off spot so we have to show we are fighting and not giving up.”

Harris acknowledges that his own form has not been good enough since returning from a fractured ankle he suffered at the start of the campaign.

Coming on in the recent 2-0 defeat by Hearts, he showed fleeting glimpses of the attacking talents which made him one of the most talked-about youngsters in the country last season.

But after a spell in the under-20s and 90 minutes against Aberdeen on Monday, he believes he is gradually re-finding his best form.

He added: “I was disappointed when I came back from the injury (but) playing for the under-20s has really helped me and I’ve got my confidence back and we are sitting top of the table. I love playing for [under-20s manager] James McDonaugh, but the first team is where I want to be.”