Source: Team_Talk
Top six is the goal - Paatelainen
The Edinburgh outfit travel to St Mirren in Monday night's televised clash before going head to head with Rangers in front of the cameras next Sunday in the final match prior to the split.
Hibs face a fight for sixth place with Motherwell, who are also bidding to finish the season among the SPL elite.
Paatelainen is aware failure to end the campaign in the top half would not go down well among his club's supporters and concedes the forthcoming matches are vital if the campaign is to be deemed successful.
The Hibs boss said: "Yes, our target is to qualify for the top six and that remains so. If we don't reach our target, we are not happy and then it's a bit unfortunate.
"We want to improve. Of course there are always setbacks and things don't always go as you like or plan.
"We want to go forward, we want to improve, and if we don't qualify for the top six, it will be a shame because we have been there or thereabouts all the way. That is our target.
"It's now between Motherwell and us; whoever gets there deserves it.
"Obviously, we have been in the top six most of the season.
"Motherwell had a poor start to the season and they have been up there challenging for the top six in the last couple of months."
Paatelainen is taking nothing for granted in the race for sixth place has been irked by Motherwell counterpart Mark McGhee's bold claims his side will finish in the top half.
Paatelainen added: "You can't say anything for definite.
"Some people are saying very confidently that they'll be there in the top six but deep down they know you can't be too confident like that.
"It depends on how the results go, and if the results are positive and you qualify, you deserve it. If not then you don't deserve.
"I was surprised (when some people said they would qualify for the top six). I don't really care; it's one of those comments and it's no problem at all."
Hibernian 6/4, St Mirren 7/4, Draw 12/5
