Source: Team_Talk
We must focus on ourselves - Hughes
John Hughes has urged Hibs to blank out the coverage of Rangers' potential title party on Sunday and instead focus on their own important task.[LNB] Walter Smith's side are on the brink of retaining their Scottish Premier League crown this weekend.[LNB]If Celtic fail to win at Dundee United in Sunday's lunchtime kick-off, Rangers will be champions even before a ball is kicked at Easter Road for their 2.30pm start.[LNB]And regardless of Celtic's result, Rangers know victory in Edinburgh will seal their success, five years after they lifted the title at the same ground.[LNB]However, Hughes has sought to shield his players from Rangers' mission and make clear how vital a game it is for their own purposes.[LNB]Hibs have won just twice in 14 games in all competitions and are seeking to hold off Motherwell and Hearts to secure fourth place and Europa League qualification.[LNB]Hughes said: "We need to get back to winning ways. We are looking forward to it.[LNB]"We know the importance of the match for Hibs, that's all my concern is, to hopefully get three points closer to that European spot.[LNB]"It doesn't concern me (if Rangers are champions before kick-off), I'm serious when I say that.[LNB]"I've got great respect for Rangers and everyone concerned with the club, but it doesn't concern me.[LNB]"My focus is 100 per cent on training my squad very hard, working on it tactically and making sure we get it right come Sunday.[LNB]"We have to make sure our focus is 100% to try and pick up three points. It's my job to make sure we are organised and all the work is done."[LNB]Hughes has suffered some criticism for Hibs' stutter, given they looked good bets for third place at the turn of the year.[LNB]But he believes making the top six has been an achievement in itself during his first season in charge.[LNB]He added: "We are delighted we are playing against the Scottish champions, Celtic last week and the Edinburgh derby next week.[LNB]"That's where we want to be, those are the games you want to be involved in."[LNB]Rangers were 4-1 winners at Easter Road in late December despite Anthony Stokes' lightning fast opener, the quickest in SPL history at just over 12 seconds.[LNB]Hughes hopes his side can learn the lessons of that setback, but appreciates the quality at Smith's disposal up front.[LNB]He said: "I felt we conceded some poor goals that day, the worst being the third one right at the start of the second half.[LNB]"That next goal was important. If we had got it, you don't know what could have happened.[LNB]"It was disappointing to concede four goals and we're going to have to work very hard to keep a clean sheet come Sunday.[LNB]"We know the strengths of Rangers, they have some fantastic players in their team, but my concern is on Hibs and it's up to me to give my boys confidence.[LNB]"I have great trust and belief in them to go out there and give it their best shot."
