Hibs focus is on Killie, not new boss

Hibs coach Alistair Stevenson today insisted the Easter Road squad have shut out the search for a new manager to give their full attention to Saturday's crucial SPL clash with Kilmarnock.

Stevenson has been put in charge along with fellow coach Gareth Evans until the hunt for a successor to John Hughes - now in its 11th day - with every chance the pair will be in the home dug-out this weekend.

Like everyone else, Stevenson, who guided Hibs Under-19s to League and Cup glory two seasons ago, is in the dark as to who the next occupant of the Easter Road hotseat might be - but that's exactly how he'd expect it to be.

He said: "The board are getting on with looking for a new manager, our job is to prepare the team and every training session has been geared towards this game. We wouldn't expect the board to be telling us on a daily basis what is going on, our focus is on Kilmarnock."

Stevenson admitted he and Evans had assumed there was "every likelihood" they'd be picking Saturday's team, deciding on formations and tactics but, he insisted, should a sudden appointment be made the new manager will find a squad of players fully prepared for action.

He said: "This is where the players' professionalism comes into it. They know when this happens there is a period of transition, that the club will take time to make the appropriate decisions and appointment.

"They are aware they have to buckle down and do what they are paid for, to play football. And I have been really encouraged with the way they have set about their business after the news of last week.

"Their attitude has been fantastic, they've been enthusiastic and there's been a hunger and desire coming from within to pick themselves up which has been really pleasing.

"Gareth, Scott Thomson (the club's goalkeeping coach] and myself have been left to carry on until something changes and there hasn't been a problem with that. Every training session has been geared towards Saturday.

"We'll sit down and discuss the game, make our decisions on who plays and so on as would be the case before any match.

"Should someone come in before the weekend then he will find a group of players well-prepared, bubbling and buzzing, hungry for the game and in peak condition while, as coaches, we'll be ready and willing to give advice on any bits and pieces he may require.

"But we are assuming there's every likelihood we will take them into the game, we'll be asking them to get the fans up off their seats with a rousing performance and, who knows who might be sitting in the stand watching."