Look out for the reign of Riordan at Hibs

The Hibs striker let his title slip, his 17 goals last season bettered by team-mate Anthony Stokes who claimed 23, but on the eve of the Edinburgh club's first game in the new campaign, Riordan underlined his determination to lead the scoring charts once again.

And with Rangers ace Kris Boyd, the SPL's all-time top scorer, having defected to Middlesbrough, Riordan believes the race is on to be named as his successor.

The 26-year-old said: "My target this year, as always, on a personal level is to finish top goal scorer and for the team to finish as high up the table as possible."

Riordan believes he has underlined his intent with a healthy return of goals during Hibs pre-season matches, claiming his prowess from free-kicks around the penalty area can only help his cause.

Although midfielder Liam Miller clipped home the winner against Blackpool last weekend with a precision shot which had him nodding his approval, Riordan warned the Republic of Ireland star he'll be in charge of such situations from now on in.

He said: "I'll never give up that responsibility when I'm on the pitch, his goal was a lucky one-off wonder. I've done all right pre-season. scored a few goals and my free-kicks have probably helped. Hopefully I'll keep getting those chances to score a few more."

Although disappointed to have relinquished his title to Stokes, Riordan insisted he was happy enough with last season's goals tally although, he admitted, he was disappointed his record wasn't enough to force him into the thoughts of new Scotland boss Craig Levein who has overlooked him for his first two matches in charge of the national squad, the second occasion being this week's friendly defeat in Sweden.

He said: "Getting into the Scotland squad is the main aim after playing well for your club, it's a bonus. I was in the squad when George Burley was manager but I wasn't in after he left and I wasn't in there again the other night.

"It's disappointing to be left out. I want to do the best I can for myself and it's a really good boost if you do get into the Scotland squad but that's down to the manager to decide.

"My feeling is that, if I keep scoring goals, then I cannot keep getting refused, although it is up to me to play well. I feel I have done enough to be in the squad, Charlie Adam is possibly the only other 'centre-mid' who scored as many goals and possibly only Boyd and Kenny Miller scored more."

Riordan, of course, has featured mainly in a wide left role in a green-and -white shirt although he admits his preference for playing up front, but even so he admitted he won't be alone in eyeing the title left vacant by Boyd's move to the English Championship.

He said: "Boydy was brilliant for Rangers, he took the chances when they came his way but it is down to yourself or whoever to try to become that top scorer.

"People talk of me as being a striker, which I am, but I've played left midfield a lot.

"Even so, I scored a lot of goals and had quite a few assists. I prefer up-front but if it helps the team playing midfield then I am happy although like every striker I enjoy scoring goals, that's what you thrive on."

Hibs, of course, kick off the new season at Fir Park, the ground where they shared an incredible 6-6 draw with Motherwell on the penultimate day of last season. a match which, while a thrilling spectacle for supporters, disappointed Riordan and his team-mates after they'd led 4-1 and 6-2.

He said: "There was good attacking football, good goals and it was good for the fans, I think. But it wasn't so good for us, it was really frustrating as it made it that bit harder for us to get into Europe, although we did have that good win at Dundee United on the final day.

"I'd happily settle for any sort of win tomorrow. A single goal with Derek Riordan the scorer would do nicely but it will be tough, Motherwell have done well pre-season and in the Europa League. Craig Brown has done a good job since he went in there.

"As for our target over the season, we want to finish as high as we can. Last season we started well but fell away after Christmas. Hopefully we can keep that going and while Rangers and Celtic will always be up there. I'd like to think we can push them hard."

Riordan starts the season knowing his three-year contract will expire at the end of it and while no negotiations have yet begun as to extending his deal, he admitted the bitter experience he endured when he left for Celtic a few years ago would make him think twice about _departing once again.

He said: "I am happy, I'm playing every week which is what ever player wants. I had a tough time at Celtic when I didn't play a lot but I'm back here scoring goals, I've been back in the Scotland squad so returning to Hibs couldn't have been better for me.

"If something else were to come up I'd think twice about it after what happened but we'll have to wait and see what happens."