Hibs: Revenge not a motive in McDiarmid victory bid

Seven months on and it hurts every bit as much, but today Hibs star Liam Miller insisted he and his team-mates mustn't head for McDiarmid Park hell-bent on revenge for their 5-1 mauling by St Johnstone back in February.

Miller remembers the misery of that night well and, while time may be said to be a great healer, the Republic of Ireland star admitted it remains fresh in his mind, an added motivation - as if John Hughes' squad need it as they seek to kick-start their season.

A return to the scene of such humiliation may seem to be the last thing Hibs, with just one win in eight matches so far, may want at this particular time but, Miller claimed, it's a match that he, for one, is looking forward to.

He said: "It was a really bad night, one I still remember. It was a hard one to swallow and it would be nice to put it to be with a good result today.

"I certainly haven't forgotten it but, at the same time, you don't want to get too wrapped up in revenge. We know what is at stake, three points and we need them, simple as."

The former Celtic, Manchester United and Sunderland ace admitted he'd like to see Hughes' squad turn in a performance in Perth but agreed victory was the over-riding concern although he believes recent results haven't quite given a true reflection on the efforts of those in green and white.

He said: "I don't think we are too far away, the way games have gone we could have had more points on the board It's hard to take because we haven't played that badly but that's football for you. What's happened is done and dusted and we look forward to what will be a tough game. Of course, a win is the most important thing but I also think that as a team we can play a bit better. I'd take three points right now, no questions asked. But it would be nice to also put on a good performance and, obviously, we'll be trying our best to do so. I think we are a team capable of doing both.

"We are creating chances and missing a few but that happens, the thing is to be there for the next one and knock it in, that's all you can do. We also need to try to shut up shop at the back. But it's a team game, we need to tighten things up a bit and take our chances"

Hughes' side has undergone something of a transformation even since the start of the season, Francis Dickoh, Darryl Duffy (although he is now out with a broken foot) and Valdas Trakys arriving on the final day of the transfer window to join summer signings Edwin de Graaf, Michael Hart and David Stephens and, Miller agreed, it has perhaps taken a little while for them to find their feet.

He said: "The gaffer has brought in a few fresh faces and there's also a few young lads in the squad, although I'd like to think they have learned from last year. The new lads have fitted in quite well, a few of them haven't played Scottish football before and need time to adapt, I'm not looking for an excuse but it does take time and we know we can do a bit better."

Like Hughes, Miller admitted to being tied to having statistics thrust at him, brushing aside the observation that should Hibs lose and other results conspire against them, they could well find themselves bottom of the table tonight.

He said: "You can spin things any way you like but it is still early doors in the league. We know where we want to be and to try and improve on last year. It's going to be difficult but we are well capable althoulgh we know today is a big game, a must-win really. But if we get one win there's no reason why we can't start climbing. We are all eager, we want this win, there's no doubt about it, we have to produce on the pitch. However, this week in training has been 100mph with a few tackles flying in which has been good to see as it's been done in the right manner. Everyone is hungry to change it around."