Hibs boss wary of burning out new charges

Hibs boss Colin Calderwood today admitted he's having to temper his desire for a "quick fix" at Easter Road with the need to ensure he doesn't burn his players out in training.

• Colin Calderwood

Although Calderwood put his squad through a double session yesterday, the new manager insisted that while time is of the essence as he bids to turn Hibs' season around, he's anxious not to over-tax the players.

He said: "I have to be careful and make sure the boys are fresh for the game.

"There are, though, different aspects we can work on together and hopefully we'll show progression both in performances and results-wise which is the starting point for me.

"Match-day is judgment time and hopefully the work we'll be doing on the training ground will be reflected in much more encouraging results."

Calderwood has identified the need for a "greater cohesion" within his side, arguing that no matter the position individual players occupy, they must acquire the ability to defend and attack together.

He said: "Repetition and organisation will get us there. They are all good players, they are all good defenders, they are all good midfielders.

"I quite like what I see but a bit more unity and cohesion will help everybody. It will be a work in progress from where we are now to where we want to be in six months' time. We want to do it as quickly as possible. The players were hurt by the result at Aberdeen but we'll be ready to go again on Saturday."

The trip to face Dundee United at Tannadice is the beginning of a critical ten days for Hibs with the first Edinburgh derby of the season to follow before Calderwood and his players head for Ibrox. Calderwood said: "It's a tough programme, but fine, it's all good competition."