Paatelainen wary of Hibs threat

22 September 2010 11:00
Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen believes there is plenty more to come from Hibernian this season - but hopes they wait until after Wednesday's Co-operative Insurance Cup tie to hit top form. Paatelainen, who quit as Hibs boss in May 2009 and returned to Scottish football with Killie this summer, hopes his side will come out on top against his former club in the third round clash. He fully expects Hibs to at least replicate last season's efforts once they are fully up and running and is keeping his fingers crossed it takes them a while longer to rediscover their form. "This is a very tough match for us, Hibs are a good team," Paatelainen said. "They qualified for Europe last season and, in my books, they will qualify for Europe this season as well. "They have had a sticky start but they have wonderful players and the same management as last year and I wouldn't be surprised if they qualified for Europe again. "They are not firing on all cylinders yet and hopefully it stays that way at least until after this game. We know they are well capable of beating anybody, Old Firm included, and we are facing a very difficult match."

Source: PA