Hughes calls on Hibs to prove they can take the pressure

JOHN HUGHES today urged his players to prove they can stand the heat as Hibs hit possibly the most crucial period of their season.

The Easter Road side appear to have been buckling under the pressure, slipping to fifth place in the SPL table and hanging on to their Active Nation Scottish Cup dream against First Division Ross County.

But, as preparations begin for Saturday's derby against Hearts at Tynecastle, a match which will be followed by that quarter-final replay in Dingwall, Hughes is challenging his players to show they have what it takes.

Admitting to being both disappointed and frustrated at seeing his side concede a late goal against County, Hughes said: "If you play for Celtic or Rangers you must win every week, if you want to play for Hibs you have to have that self-belief to say I am playing to the challenges that are being put on me.

"If we don't we are not going to be successful so the players need that mental mindset."

Although Motherwell, who are unbeaten in 12 league games, leapfrogged Hibs into fourth place, Hughes' players have two games in hand and the manager is convinced they can still finish third and claim a Cup semi-final berth against Celtic.

He said: "We are in there, trying to finish as high up the League as we can, trying to get a good Cup run.

"This is the time we have to hit form. Individually, everyone has to look in the mirror and say they are giving it everything they have got. I told them after Saturday's game they've got to stop concerning themselves about others and look after their own game.

"If I get eleven man-of-the-match performances then nine times out of ten we will win and I am hoping the boys grasp that.

"It's a big week for us and I want to make sure that we're as prepared as we possibly can be. We're looking forward to it though, this is what football is all about."

Hibs have been given 1,395 tickets – 395 for the stand and 1,000 terracing – for the replay on Tuesday which will kick-off at 7.45pm. They will be on sale to season ticket holders and club members from today until Friday with the remainder going on general sale on Saturday.

Tickets are priced 15 (adults) and 10 (concessions).

Colin Nish will be ruled out of the derby at Tynecastle as he serves the last of a staggered three-match ban, while decisions will be taken on Sol Bamba, Merouane Zemmama and Lewis Stevenson, who all missed the Cup match through injury, later in the week.

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