Hibs must regroup with Europe as their goal – Kane

PAUL KANE insists Hibs still have far too much to play for between now and the end of the season to let their heads drop following a disappointing Scottish Cup exit.

The former Easter Road player was in Dingwall to see John Hughes' side lose their quarter-final replay to Ross County and admits the Capital outfit have lost their spark from earlier in the season.

But Kane says Hibs have the perfect incentive to try and get back on track as quick as soon as possible as their dream of a place in Europe next season will also die if they don't get their act together.

"It is a huge disappointment, especially given that we had two games to beat Ross County and were unable to do it," he said. "It's another year gone without success in the Scottish Cup and there was a genuine feeling a few weeks back that this really could have been Hibs' year. I am sure John and his players will be hurting as a result of that.

"They'll be hurting even more, though, if they also miss out on a place in Europe and I'm sure John will be drumming that home to his players as they prepare for three massive games – we will know exactly where Hibs' season lies after them.

"It's not as though Hibs are battling to try and get into the top six. They are challenging for Europe and John will be doing all he can to make sure his players don't waste all their good work from earlier in the season."

According to Kane, the confidence players had then has drained away and he highlighted Liam Miller as an example of how individual performances on the park have changed in recent weeks. "When the team was winning, the players were doing things without thinking and Liam Miller is a classic example, for me," he added.

"Up until a few weeks ago he was Hibs' best player by far. He was always looking forward and playing forward passes. Now he's holding on to the ball longer and playing sideways passes and sometimes backways.

"That's been one of the big differences in the team recently as it is stopping the movement.

"The fans are disappointed at the moment and rightly so. But, if Hibs can get into Europe by finishing third or fourth, then I think the supporters would be happy with that.

"Yes, it was disappointing to lose at home to St Johnstone earlier in the season and now we've suffered this double disappointment against Ross County.

"But, if we can finish the season with a place in Europe to look forward to, then I reckon that would show we are at least moving in the right direction."

One direction Hughes may go over the coming weeks is to give some of his fringe players a chance.

"He'll be looking for a positive reaction from all if them in training, which I'm sure he'll be scrutinising closer than ever," predicted Kane.

"For weeks in training there will have been a buzz due to the team doing well but now John will need to see his players trying harder than ever. Paul Hanlon has been a miss. He'd looked quite steady in the games he'd played before picking up an injury.

"John may look at making changes, with young Danny Galbraith, for example, a contender to get a run in the team."