Source: Team_Talk
Riordan hoping for derby kickstart
Derek Riordan hopes leading out Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby will inspire him to find his best form.[LNB] Hibs fan Riordan was handed the captain's armband by new boss Colin Calderwood for last Saturday's 1-0 loss at Dundee United and is set to lead the side out at Easter Road on Sunday in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League meeting with Hearts.[LNB]The 27-year-old, a gifted forward who struggled to make the breakthrough at Celtic before returning to Hibs for a second spell, hopes to justify Calderwood's faith.[LNB]"He made me captain last week - I was delighted with that," said Riordan. "It puts a wee bit more responsibility on you and hopefully it brings out the best in you."[LNB]Riordan has not yet contemplated adding to his three Scotland caps, with Craig Levein likely to take a look at some fringe players in the November 16 friendly with the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie.[LNB]Riordan, whose last Scotland cap was in the 3-0 loss to Wales 12 months ago, added: "I concentrate on my club football, that's my main aim and if I get in the Scotland squad that's a bonus."[LNB]The arrival of Calderwood has galvanised Hibernian, according to Riordan.[LNB]"The training's been brilliant lately," said Riordan. "Everybody's buzzing just now.[LNB]"We've been trying a lot harder with the new gaffer coming in. Everybody's been enjoying it."[LNB]Riordan must impress Calderwood to have a future at Hibs.[LNB]He is one of 16 Hibs players out of contract at the end of the season, but he does not appear too concerned and hopes his future will be resolved.[LNB]"I want to stay," said Riordan.[LNB]"That's down to the club to decide everybody's future.[LNB]"I'm just happy playing football."[LNB]Hibs, who finished fourth in the SPL last term, enter this weekend's fixtures in 11th place in the table - above bottom club St Mirren only on goal difference - with two wins from the opening 10 games.[LNB]Riordan said: "The league doesn't lie. We've not picked up points, so we deserve to be there.[LNB]"(But) I felt we deserved more than a defeat last week.[LNB]"We've just got to get back on the winning trail and push back up the table."[LNB]Riordan hopes the derby can provide the catalyst for Hibs' season, although the next obstacle in their way will be defending champions Rangers next Wednesday.[LNB]"We've got Hearts on Sunday, then we've got Rangers on Wednesday," said Riordan.[LNB]"If we get the win it gives us a wee bit more confidence going into the game against Rangers.[LNB]"They are big games for us, but you look forward to the big games."[LNB]Riordan resisted the urge to begin the derby build-up by playfully winding up those of his friends who are Hearts fans during their 3-0 loss to Kilmarnock last weekend.[LNB]But he is relishing fronting up against Hibs' cross-city rivals on Sunday.[LNB]He said: "I'm looking forward to the derby - it's my biggest game of the season.[LNB]"Hibs fans love the derby, getting one over their neighbours - it's brilliant."[LNB]Riordan cites his decisive penalty in the May 2009 meeting as his derby highlight and is eager to score against Hearts once more this weekend.[LNB]"It's a brilliant feeling," said Riordan, who is seeking a fourth goal of the season. "I love scoring against Hearts."
