Source: Team_Talk
Hughes: Hibs down to bare bones
Hibernian boss John Hughes has admitted he is "down to the bare bones" for Saturday's Scottish Premier League game at Celtic.[LNB] Hibs could be missing as many seven first-team regulars for the trip to Parkhead, with midfielder Patrick Cregg the latest to join what is becoming a lengthy injury list.[LNB]The Irishman played through the pain of a toe problem at Hamilton last weekend but has not trained all week, joining captain Chris Hogg, Paul Hanlon, David Wotherspoon, Merouane Zemmama and Alan Gow in the treatment room.[LNB]Liam Miller is also suspended for this weekend's match in which Hibs will attempt to arrest a slide that has has seen them win just two of their last 15 games in all competitions, putting them in danger of surrendering a Europa League spot.[LNB]Hughes told his club's official website: "We are down to the bare bones, but I've said that I can't give them an excuse because I would like to think that every player at this club shows the desire and application to get themselves into the first team - and when you get the opportunity, you have to take it.[LNB]"I know it is a big ask for us from now to the end of the season in terms of injuries, suspensions - but everyone has a part to play.[LNB]"If we do it right, we can get back to winning and we can get that European slot.[LNB]"We have five cup finals between now and the end of the season, we have to concentrate on each of these games and work on how we get back to being resolute, keeping clean sheets, enjoying our football and scoring goals.[LNB]"We will do everything it takes to achieve that - anything we can possibly do to reignite that spark in the side again."[LNB]Hughes was relieved Celtic were able to get their shock Scottish Cup defeat to Ross County out of their system against Motherwell last night.[LNB]"Neil Lennon was no doubt looking for a reaction from his players after their own defeat at the weekend.[LNB]"When they get beaten like that, they usually come out of the traps next game determined to show people that they are better than that.[LNB]"Thankfully for us, it was Motherwell who were the immediate opponents.[LNB]"Celtic winning that match has kept Motherwell two points behind us so now we have to take care of our own business on Saturday - it's that simple, we can't rely on anyone else now.[LNB]"We know we have to win football matches but this is where we wanted to be, we want to be playing the Old Firm, an Edinburgh derby and competing for a European place with Dundee United and Motherwell.[LNB]"We will see what we've got and look to improve and get the wins we need."[LNB]Hughes also confirmed playmaker Zemmama had surgery in London last night in a bid to cure the knee problem which has ended his season.
