Ian Murray braced for crucial double-header in Fife

HIBERNIAN’S defeat to Hearts brought more than just the pain of another derby setback – it plunged them deeper into relegation trouble and set up a potentially season-defining sequence of matches during January.

Pat Fenlon’s side face a tough assignment away to Cowdenbeath in the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup this weekend and then face a return trip to Fife against the only club below them in the SPL, Dunfermline, for a crunch match which could go a long way to deciding who goes down. Easter Road captain Ian Murray has assured supporters that he and his team-mates are steeled for the tough battles ahead, but he also accepted yesterday that there will be players brought in and pushed out during the winter transfer window. He added: “There’s no doubt there will be changes. It’s up to the boys here to prove to the manager they want to stay.”

After beginning the season under Colin Calderwood with top-six ambitions, Hibs have revised their goals. Murray said: “It’s going to be very difficult now. Our ambitions at the start of the season aren’t our ambitions now. Teams are starting to get away from us, so we need to try to start getting away from the bottom, try to isolate Dunfermline and leave them at the bottom on their own. The game at Dunfermline has turned into a very, very big game.”

However, Murray is certain improvements are being made under Fenlon, whose only point came in the 1-1 draw with Inverness. The defender added: “We’ve got a good squad and behind the scenes we’re working hard. We’re looking a lot sharper and things have got a little bit better, game by game. There are a few players who weren’t playing very well a month ago, six weeks ago who are now coming back into the team and playing a wee bit better.”