Source: Team_Talk
Riordan gets Hughes' backing
Hibernian manager John Hughes has assured Derek Riordan he is working hard enough after the striker was overlooked again for Scotland duty.[LNB] Riordan has netted three goals in four games, including a sublime chip against Celtic on Saturday, but failed to make the squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Spain.[LNB]Levein has preferred the likes of Chris Iwelumo and the uncapped Surrey-born Jamie Mackie to Riordan, who has three Scotland caps to his name.[LNB]The 27-year-old has often been perceived as a gifted player who does not work as hard as others, not the kind who are likely to find favour with Levein.[LNB]But Hughes insists the former Celtic striker pulls his weight in the Hibs team and praised him for a hard-working display at Parkhead last weekend in a lone striker's role.[LNB]"I think he has shown form, goalscoring form too," said Hughes, whose team face St Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.[LNB]"He has certainly come into Craig's thoughts.[LNB]"He just needs to keep doing what he's doing for Hibs and scoring goals, and I'm sure the door will open again for him."[LNB]Hughes first encountered Riordan as a youngster when both played for Hibs and he feels his former team-mate has matured in recent times.[LNB]"He works very hard at his game," Hughes said. "We're finished training and Derek is still out there shooting and practising.[LNB]"My concern on Saturday was playing Derek as a lone striker, and I felt he worked his socks off.[LNB]"I was delighted he got a goal to go with all the hard work, realising you can score goals, work hard and play your part for the team.[LNB]"Derek knows that every game he needs to put his shoulder to the wheel.[LNB]"And I've seen that, I've had no complaints with Derek Riordan since I've come to the club.[LNB]"In fact, it's the opposite, I've been impressed with his attitude and commitment.[LNB]"He is back-tracking, putting tackles in, winning headers, and he just needs to do more of that. The goals will come as well."[LNB]But Hughes added: "The thing about Derek, it's a fine balance.[LNB]"You ask him to do all that and you're taking him out of areas where he's at his best, and that's in the final third.[LNB]"Sometimes you have to make sure you set your team up accordingly and let Derek do his bit of business in the final third."[LNB]Meanwhile, Hughes revealed that Colin Nish and Sol Bamba would be available for the McDiarmid Park clash after recovering from injuries, but Danny Galbraith is expected to miss out with a knee knock.
