John Hughes tells Europe-chasing Hibs to focus on own targets

• John Hughes

Walter Smith's side are on the brink of retaining their Clydesdale Bank Premier League crown this weekend. If Celtic fail to win at Dundee United in tomorrow's lunchtime kick-off, Rangers will be champions even before a ball is kicked at Easter Road for their 2.30pm start.

Regardless of Celtic's result, Rangers know victory in Edinburgh will seal their success, five years after they lifted the title at the same ground. A point would realistically be enough even in the event of a Celtic victory given the Ibrox side's vastly superior goal difference.

However, Hughes has sought to shield his players from Rangers' mission and make clear how vital a game it is for their own purposes.

Hibs have won just twice in 14 games in all competitions – a dire run of form in comparison to their achievements until February – and are seeking to hold off Motherwell and Hearts to secure fourth place and Europa League qualification.

Hughes said: "We need to get back to winning ways. We are looking forward to it. We know the importance of the match for Hibs, that's all my concern is, to hopefully get three points closer to that European spot.

"It doesn't concern me (if Rangers are champions before kick-off), I'm serious when I say that. I've got great respect for Rangers and everyone concerned with the club, but it doesn't concern me.

"My focus is 100 per cent on training my squad very hard, working on it tactically and making sure we get it right come Sunday."

Hughes has been criticised by some fans for Hibs' stutter, given they looked good bets for third place for much of the season before a 3-0 defeat at Ibrox in mid-February – during which Hibs lost their way after a solid first half – seemed to strip them of their confidence.

However, he believes making the top six is an achievement of sorts during his first season in charge. He said: "We are delighted we are playing against the Scottish champions, Celtic last week and the Edinburgh derby next week. That's where we want to be, those are the games you want to be involved in."

Rangers were 4-1 winners at Easter Road in late December despite Anthony Stokes' opener after 13 seconds – the quickest goal in SPL history.

Hughes said: "We conceded some poor goals that day and we're going to have to work very hard to keep a clean sheet come Sunday. We know the strengths of Rangers, but I have great trust and belief in my boys to give it their best shot."

Hibs midfielder David Wotherspoon, meanwhile, has backed team-mate Derek Riordan to shrug aside off-field distractions and delay Rangers' title celebrations.

The Scotland international striker hit the headlines last week as he contests a fine of one week's pay for labelling the club's home pitch "like a bog". Riordan, who has netted 16 goals largely from a wide left role this term, is also reported to be attracting interest from a number of clubs in the UK and further afield.

German side Nuremberg are monitoring the 27-year-old, who rejoined Hibs from Celtic in 2008 – as are Swansea, Cardiff and even teams in Asia.

Riordan, who is contracted to the club he has supported all his life until the summer of 2011, showed his trademark eye for goal with a stunning finish in a 3-2 defeat at Celtic last weekend and Wotherspoon is hoping for some similar exploits against champions-elect Rangers.

The right-sided player said: "It (the fine) won't distract Derek at all. He is focused on the games ahead and so is everyone at the club.

"His goal last week was very good, as was the build-up, into the bottom corner.

"Derek hit the headlines early in the season and towards the back end now, but that's a different story (clubs looking at him) really.

"He's not interested at the moment in talking about that, he's more looking to play well in the last four games of the season.

"We are fighting to get the three points against Rangers. The main objective is to try and get the win, to get ourselves back on track."