Hughes urges Hibs players to prove critics wrong

While insisting he understands the supporters' reaction to a stuttering start to the season, the Hibs boss was equally adamant some fans have gone over the top in their criticism, particularly that of striker Colin Nish.

Hughes knows, however, the only way to turn the tide is on the pitch, starting with tomorrow night's tricky Co-operative Insurance Cup tie against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

And, he believes, it is time for his players to adopt a siege mentality as they fight together to get those fans who have voiced their unhappiness back on board. Today he said: "I would just laugh in the face of adversity, roll the sleeves up and say 'I will show you'.

"We all take the plaudits, the pats on the back when it is going great, when it isn't you have to be man enough, big enough to take it right on the chin."

Hughes, however, insisted it was up to the players themselves to earn the results which will bring cheers rather than jeers. He said: "We need to get the mentality that anything we get is the result of being prepared to put in a shift, to work as underdogs.

"I feel at times we have the mentality that someone will do something and we will win but we have to make it happen. It never comes easy, look at last year, away to Hamilton and St Johnstone. Anyone who comes in here and thinks any game is a given shouldn't be playing football.

"I had the chance to play for Celtic and there you must have a strong character, a winning mentality.

"I saw guys go there who could not handle it – you need that desire, it has to mean everything to you. You have to earn it and that's what I am trying to get into the players.

"I want them to dig deep and use what has happened as a test of their resolve, to use it as a motivational tool to go and prove people wrong, that's the sign of character and a winner."

Hughes readily accepted that Hibs haven't had the greatest of starts to the season, just one win away to Motherwell at Fir Park on the opening day, but, he insisted, it has been far from "disastrous".

He said: "I have seen glimpses, the second half at Motherwell, an hour against Rangers.

"We were poor at St Mirren, I thought 'here we go' during the 90 minutes against Inverness and there were bits and pieces against Hamilton at the weekend.

"It's a matter of putting it all together for the full 90 minutes."

To that end Hughes believes the fans can play their part by backing the players rather than getting on their backs and that of Nish in particular.

He said: "All I am asking is the supporters give the boys a chance.

"Every club has its whipping boy, unfortunately it seems to be Colin but he's been putting in a shift, giving us a physical presence

"He needs the supporters behind him to help him along."