Source: Team_Talk
Hibs boss shifts focus to players
Boyhood Hibs fan Hughes is almost certain to be the centre of attention when St Mirren visit Easter Road on the opening day of the Scottish Premier League season.[LNB]But the former Falkirk boss has urged his players to steal the headlines by claiming maximum points.[LNB]"It's not about me; it's about my players and what they're going to do on the day," Hughes said. [LNB]"We've been working very hard to try to make sure that we hit the ground running first game of the season.[LNB]"It'll be a very difficult match. I've tipped St Mirren to be the dark horses this year.[LNB]"I know Gus (MacPherson) and Andy (Millen), how hard they work, and they've added one or two to their squad.[LNB]"I can't ask any more of the boys in terms of everything they've given me, in terms of their application, their commitment to try to understand what we're trying to do.[LNB]"If we can put it all together come kick-off on Saturday, hopefully it'll be good enough to pick up the three points."[LNB]Hughes is determined to improve Hibs' record against the "so-called lesser sides" in the SPL, saying: "We need to start playing like underdogs and, if we can do that, that could set us up for a good season."[LNB]Those sentiments were echoed by striker Colin Nish, who knows the club's fans will have similar expectations.[LNB]"When you're playing at home, the fans get on your back when things aren't going right so it's something the manager should insist on," said Nish, who believes Hibs have timed their pre-season preparations to perfection.[LNB]"The manager said he wanted us to peak right at the first game of the season and I think we've got that down to a tee.[LNB]"I'm feeling good, feeling confident - really looking forward to it.[LNB]"It's been very difficult - every pre-season is. But the manager's made us do it with a smile on our face and I think we're delighted with that.[LNB]"We're working our socks off but we're having a laugh as well.[LNB]"I think if you're going to training looking forward to it, that's a bonus."[LNB]Nish is nevertheless wary of the threat posed by St Mirren, especially former Kilmarnock team-mate Craig Dargo and new signing Michael Higdon[LNB]He said: "They're always a very difficult team to play against. They've got good players, good attacking players: Michael Higdon and wee Craig Dargo - who I played with at Kilmarnock and who's a great player."[LNB]Nish will be hoping to improve on the eight goals he scored last season, especially with some of the club's all-conquering Under-19 side now breathing down his neck.[LNB]Hughes, who will be expected to achieve a top-six finish at least this season, is ready to put his faith in the youngsters.[LNB]He said: "I would have no qualms putting them in, even in the starting XI, if I felt that was what I needed to win the football match."[LNB][LNB] Hibernian v St Mirren. Click here to bet.
