Midfielder John Rankin maintains belief Hibernian can climb into the top half of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table after a frustrating opening few months of the season punctuated by the weather.
Any hope of a quick opportunity to make amends for last Saturday's 2-1 loss at Kilmarnock with a fifth win of the season could yet be scuppered by the ongoing cold snap, with Wednesday's scheduled meeting with Hamilton depending on a morning inspection at New Douglas Park.
"We're not sitting in a very comfortable position at the moment," said Rankin.
"We're only five points off the bottom, but if we can put a run of results together we're quite confident we can push into the top six.
"That is the aim at the moment and if we can start winning games it would make a big difference not only for confidence but for the club itself."
When Colin Calderwood succeeded John Hughes as manager in October, Hibs had eight points from eight games - five from seven under Hughes' stewardship.
After three losses in his opening three games, Calderwood steered Hibs to a 3-0 win at Rangers - with Rankin scoring a stunning goal - and a 2-1 win over Motherwell. But in the three matches since, Hibs have only picked up one point, in the 0-0 draw with St Johnstone.
With four fixtures scheduled in 11 days over the festive period, Rankin hopes Hibs can find some momentum to climb the table and is eyeing the top-six places currently eight points above them.
Rankin said: "The manager came in, gave us a lift and the last few weeks have been stop-start.
"The weather's had a big impact on the games and we've not been able to train outside a lot. It's been difficult. Once we get a run of fixtures quite frequently I'm sure we can put a run together."
Source: PA
