Source: Team_Talk
Bring on Ibrox test, roars Hughes
Hibs will take on the SPL champions for the first time since December's 4-1 thrashing at Easter Road.[LNB]Rangers were scoring goals for fun before the turn of the year until injuries to key players forced them to start grinding our results.[LNB]Unfortunately for Hughes, the likes of Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller have recovered just in time for the visit of Hibs on Sunday.[LNB]Hughes is full of praise for the way his opposite number Walter Smith has handled the club's injury and financial problems to top the SPL.[LNB]But he insists third-placed Hibs should have nothing to fear at Ibrox.[LNB]"You have to go there guarded and respectful of Glasgow Rangers," he said.[LNB]"If you look at the job Walter's done - when was the last time they brought a new player to the club?[LNB]"Working under those restraints, he's taken the title back from Celtic and he's sitting eight points clear in the SPL and they're still in the two cup competitions.[LNB]"Not bad, is it, that? And that's what we're up against.[LNB]"Steve Davis has to be up there for player of the year; big Boydy - lo and behold - out with a double hernia, he comes back just when it's coming round about time to play Hibs.[LNB]"But it excites me, bring it on, give me everything you've got, because it's a massive test."[LNB]Hibs secured an impressive 1-1 draw on their last visit to Ibrox in October.[LNB]Indeed, they have taken four points from their two trips to Glasgow this season and none in their home games against the Old Firm.[LNB]Hughes said: "It's just that environment and the stage and a big pitch and a nice, slick surface - it suits us.[LNB]"And on the day, a bit of luck as well."[LNB]Hibs' position in the league and yet another favourable Active Nation Scottish Cup draw has raised expectations the club could be on the brink of something special.[LNB]Lifelong fan Hughes said: "I'm no different from any supporter.[LNB]"I do hope and wish and dream that we can go and achieve something in my tenure at the club."[LNB]He added: "I see Hibs always challenging for a place in Europe and the target is always eventually trying to go and split the Old Firm.[LNB]"I don't know if you'll ever be able to do that but you have to set those kinds of targets."[LNB]Academy graduate David Wotherspoon said of fan expectations: "Their minds are just like ours. We try to look to the highest point.[LNB]"I think we've got to keep our feet on the ground and say that third place is our target (this season)."[LNB]Wotherspoon played right-back in December's game against Rangers, which saw Boyd and Miller run riot.[LNB]"We're not really worrying about them - we're just trying to focus on our game," he added.[LNB]"Our defence has been pretty solid recently."[LNB][LNB] Rangers v Hibernian. Click here to bet.
