Yogi: There's no reason for Hibs to mope

A DEFIANT John Hughes today put the bitter disappointment of derby-day defeat behind him and declared: "It's still all there for us."

The Hibs boss issued the rallying call to his players having also told them they have no time to feel sorry for themselves as they prepare for tomorrow night's Active Nation Scottish Cup quarter-final replay against Ross County in Dingwall.

Although admitting "doom and gloom" had descended upon Easter Road following the 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle, Hughes insisted no-one should lose sight of the fact that Hibs, despite only winning once in their last eight matches, remain just two points off third place in the SPL table.

Claiming that most clubs in Scotland would "give their right arms" to enjoy the position Hibs are in, Hughes said: "Yes, there was a real disappointment on Saturday but we have to get on with it, we still have it all to play for. It's going to be a test or our resolve and character. Okay, there was doom and gloom but I've asked the boys if we feel sorry for ourselves or take the bull by the horns.

"We've got a quarter-final to look forward to, the chance to go to Hampden and a couple of wins will take us right back up that there. That's why I am delighted with what the boys have done, getting ourselves into this position and now we have to refocus and get ourselves over that finishing line.

"It won't be easy, we will be playing against teams who are going for the same as we are but also clubs who are fighting relegation battles but we can't let anything faze us."

Hughes' overriding priority, of course, is tomorrow night's clash against First Division Ross County with many believing Hibs are lucky to still be involved in the Cup and he's determined his players make the most of their second chance. With the events of Saturday having been discussed yesterday as the players reported for training, Hughes' squad will work out again today at East Mains before travelling north this afternoon.

And, on the coach, will be Chris Hogg and fellow defender Paul Hanlon, the club skipper having missed the derby after failing a fitness test when suffering back spasms while the Scotland Under-21 star took a seat on the bench even although he wasn't fully fit.

Striker Colin Nish will also travel now he is completely free of suspension, leaving Hughes to say: "It's now our biggest game of the season, we know how tough it is going to be but I got a good response from them yesterday.

"Our preparation will be right."

• HIBS Ladies crushed Kilmarnock 19-0 to record their biggest-ever win with Debbie McWhinnie and Claire Emslie both scoring four while Ellen Pia and Kirsty McBride each netted three.