Hearts boss: I don't want Hibs to go down

The Easter Road side sit just four points above the foot of the league table having played one game more than bottom club Hamilton. They have yet to score a goal in 2011 and have now endured nine matches without a win after exiting the Scottish Cup to Second Division Ayr United in midweek.

As manager Colin Calderwood suffers mounting criticism, Jefferies spoke out to declare his hope that Hibs re-group for the second half of the season and steer clear of relegation.

"I certainly don't want to see them going down because derbies are fantastic games to look forward to," he said. "It's been difficult for Colin. I'm sure they are working hard behind the scenes to get a few players in. Who's to say they won't have a better second half to the season?

"I don't worry about Hibs' problems. I'm only concerned about them when we play them. There's always more of an edge when both clubs are doing well. Our concern is to make sure they don't finish above us and right now our lead is such it would be very difficult for them to do that."

As he prepares his own players for tomorrow's visit of Rangers, Jefferies revealed that he will also be busily attempting to arrange bounce matches for the benefit of returning winger Andy Driver.

The Englishman has not played this season after undergoing a summer operation on his thigh but is now nearing a first-team return. Hearts are keen for him to sample low-key friendlies before reinstating him to the senior side. "He has been training and looking sharp. He's wanting closed door games and match practice," said Jefferies. "With all the midweek matches coming up that can be difficult. Lee Wallace was back training for five weeks before I threw him in. If I can't get any games for Andy then it might be a similar thing. Suso is back and will probably train with us next week."