Source: Team_Talk
Hibs ace Hogg relishing derby clash
Hogg's first trip after being awarded the armband by John Hughes ended in a dour goalless draw in November and he would love nothing more than to be the latest skipper to lead Hibs to victory in enemy territory.[LNB]"This is my favourite game of the year, going to Tynecastle," said Hogg, who turns 25 the day after what will be his 15th derby since moving to Easter Road.[LNB]"I love the atmosphere there and the rivalry the two clubs have got. You can't go wrong and if you don't want to play in these games, you shouldn't be playing football.[LNB]"It's nice to see our fans pack that stand and we have a good away vocal support. That spurs you on but, for me, it's like going into the lion's den and coming out with some points is a real satisfaction."[LNB]The last time Hibs travelled to Gorgie they were in the middle of a 13-match unbeaten run.[LNB]This time they will arrive having recorded just one victory in their last seven matches, surrendering third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and coming close to crashing out of the Active Nation Scottish Cup.[LNB]Hibs face a quarter-final replay at Ross County on Tuesday night, prompting suggestions the next two games might define their season.[LNB]"They could do but people were saying that in December," said Hogg. "Coming into a derby we want to win the game and with 10 to go, we need to win games, end of story.[LNB]"We want to finish third and that means winning football games, starting on Saturday."[LNB]Hogg will be shaking hands with a different captain tomorrow after Michael Stewart failed to recover from a torn calf.[LNB]Midfielder Stewart aggravated the problem during the warm-up before Hearts' 1-0 defeat at Dundee United almost two weeks ago.[LNB]Because of the Jambos' injury crisis, the 29-year-old was replaced by youngster Paul Mulrooney, who shone in what was only his second start of the season.[LNB]Stewart was impressed by what he saw, telling Hearts.TV: "I've seen quite a bit of 'Spoony' in training and he's a fit lad, a competitive guy.[LNB]"It's difficult for Paul with a number of experienced players in his position. A lot of the times he has been involved in training he's been more out in a wide area.[LNB]"But he himself said he was happy to get involved in the game in his favoured position in the middle and I thought he put in a very assured performance against Dundee United."[LNB]Stewart, who also revealed he is in talks with the club over a new contract, added: "He was very unfortunate not to score a goal in the first half as well."[LNB][LNB]
