Hughes seeks upturn in fortunes

Under-pressure Hibernian manager John Hughes is relishing taking his beleaguered team to SPL pacesetters Celtic tomorrow. With one win from eight games in all competitions this season, Hibs fans will travel to Parkhead in pessimistic mood after Celtic scored 11 goals in their last three outings.Celtic have won all five of their SPL fixtures so far with a 100% record to lie alongside defending champions Rangers at the top of the table, seven points clear of nearest rivals Hearts, with Hibs languishing on five points from five games.Hibs finished fourth last season under Hughes, qualifying for the Europa League, but have made an inauspicious start this term - something Hughes believes can end with a shock at Parkhead."It doesn't get any easier, but that's football," said Hughes. "When the going gets tough and you really want to show real character, bring on the best."And Celtic are certainly one of the best in Scotland, so we'll see what we're made of."I'll always go there and have a go; I won't give my players any hiding place."You put that Hibs jersey on and you have to go out and express yourself."It's a funny game, we're more than capable of going there, carrying a bit of luck and getting something."Hibs won 2-1 at Celtic in January and Hughes believes his side should always be going to Glasgow seeking a victory and suggested the current form of both sides could work in his team's favour.He said: "We should be going to Parkhead and people should be saying anything could happen."Hibs are not at that stage, that's what we're working towards."With our kind of form, no expectations, so maybe the pressure's off us a wee bit."Hughes has called for Hibs fans to be patient with the pressure mounting after successive 1-1 draws saw the winless home run extended to nine, while they exited the Co-operative Insurance Cup with defeat at Kilmarnock on Wednesday.Hibs have four wins from the last 26 in all competitions, but Hughes maintains the woeful run can be turned around, with his ultimate aim of challenging the Old Firm.He said: "I want to turn Hibs into a Celtic or a Rangers because the philosophy and the mentality of those clubs is win, win, win, win."I've not got that at this moment in time, that's what I'm working towards."It has to come from within the dressing room, they have to create that winning mentality. We can only guide them and set standards."Hughes and Hibs have been the subject of booing following their last three fixtures.There were suggestions of a dressing room fall-out following the loss at Rugby Park and Hughes hopes his squad can turn the negative news into positive performances.He said: "It's galvanising the boys and it's starting to create that siege mentality - if that's the case I'm right there with them."

Source: Team_Talk