Hughes calls on Hibs to beat Ross County any way they can

Although he would obviously prefer to win the quarter-final replay in the regulation 90 minutes, the Easter Road boss admitted victory and a Hampden showdown with Celtic on 10 April was the only thought on his mind.

"It doesn't matter what it takes," he insisted, "as long as we get through."

That's an opinion shared by Ian Murray who will again skipper the side at Dingwall's Victoria Park with club captain Chris Hogg ruled out with the back spasms which prevented him playing in the derby at the weekend.

Echoing his manager's words, Murray said: "We have to make sure we win by any means possible, in the 90, after extra-time or in a penalty shoot-out, it doesn't matter so long as we win."

And while he admitted Hibs were still lucky to be in the competition following the dramatic first clash between the clubs in Edinburgh ten days ago, Hughes insisted his players, despite a run of just one win in eight games, were perfectly capable of making the long journey back down the A9 with their place in the last four secured.

He said: "Obviously it was a massive disappointment to lose the derby, but let's keep things in perspective. We still have the chance to get into the semi-final of the Cup and of taking a place in Europe.

"It's not going to be easy, we know how difficult it's going to be but if we can implement all the work we have been doing on the pitch tonight then we are more than capable of winning."

Hughes agreed the first goal tonight would be crucial but while expressing the hope it goes Hibs' way, he acknowledged that his players must display a much more ruthless attention to keeping the opposition at bay.

He said: "I'd like to think we can get the first goal but we are also going to have to defend. When was the last time another team scored a truly great goal against us, possibly Steven Whittaker at Ibrox.

"We are beating ourselves. Why? Because no-one is taking responsibility."

And to that end Hughes cited Rangers' battling Co-operative Insurance Cup win, Walter Smith's side triumphing over St Mirren despite having both Kevin Thomson and Danny Wilson sent off.

He said: "You saw a Rangers side in that Cup final which dug in, showed plenty of resolve and character. From now to the end of the season we will be playing in a lot of big games which will be a real test of our character. We have to deal with it, we've come far this year and played some good stuff, but there is no point in failing at the final hurdle."

Although Hogg will be missing, Paul Hanlon, a substitute at Tynecastle despite being far from fully fit, travelled north with the squad yesterday having trained in the morning as did Merouane Zemmama, while striker Colin Nish is free from suspension.