Source: Team_Talk
Hughes salutes Hibs strike duo
The visitors missed three clear chances in the first 10 minutes of the SPL contest at Easter Road, with Martin Hardie hitting the bar.[LNB]In contrast, Stokes and Riordan converted from outside the box in the first half when there appeared to be little danger.[LNB]Stokes doubled his Hibs' tally with a 73rd-minute free-kick after St Johnstone substitute Kenny Deuchar had squandered chances to make a game of it.[LNB]Stokes netted 16 goals in 18 games during a loan spell under Hughes at Falkirk three seasons ago and the ever-prolific Riordan took his tally for the season to four goals.[LNB]So the Hibernian manager, who dropped skipper Chris Hogg following the 2-0 defeat by Hamilton, knows the pair have the ability to get his team out of trouble.[LNB]"When you have got that talent in terms of finishing, you know have always got goals," he said. "It was a great reaction from last week, I felt the team were resolute, spirited and more organised.[LNB]"But the first 15 minutes we were fortunate not to lose a goal."[LNB]Hughes was in a happier mood after the game than when he first awoke to front-page headlines claiming Stokes had been involved in a nightclub fracas.[LNB]The Hibs boss vowed to investigate the claims and called on the 21-year-old summer signing from Sunderland to concentrate on improving his fitness.[LNB]"He just needs that focus," said Hughes. "I still think he has a fair bit to go in terms of fitness levels.[LNB]"He needs games, he needs to work hard but I don't think you lose that talent for scoring goals and that was certainly evident.[LNB]"And I think he worked hard. After an hour he was done. You could see his fitness was not up to scratch but I'm delighted he was there to score the two goals.[LNB]"I don't think he would have got the free-kick if Derek had been on but it's just nice to know that you've got one or two of them with the talent to hit that kind of free-kick."[LNB]While the missed chances were a familiar story for Saints boss Derek McInnes, he believes his team's first SPL win will not be far away if they maintain their approach.[LNB]"They are showing a great attitude, they are determined not to let anybody down," said McInnes.[LNB]"Even at 3-0, they care, it matters to them. They are still trying to do the right thing, they are still trying to get a goal, they are still creating chances.[LNB]"That honesty, and the fact they care, will serve us well this year and the spirit we have got will be vital to us. They are hungry and determined."[LNB]McInnes was without the ill Filipe Morais, who is a doubt for their return to Leith on Tuesday for the Co-operative Insurance Cup clash.[LNB][LNB]
