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. Walter Smith's side are on the brink of retaining their Scottish Premier League crown this weekend.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.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.However, Hughes has sought to shield his players from Rangers' mission and make clear how vital a game it is for their own purposes.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.Hughes said: "We need to get back to winning ways. We are looking forward to it."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."It doesn't concern me (if Rangers are champions before kick-off), I'm serious when I say that."I've got great respect for Rangers and everyone concerned with the club, but it doesn't concern me."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."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."Hughes has suffered some criticism for Hibs' stutter, given they looked good bets for third place at the turn of the year.But he believes making the top six has been an achievement in itself during his first season in charge.He added: "We are delighted we are playing against the Scottish champions, Celtic last week and the Edinburgh derby next week."That's where we want to be, those are the games you want to be involved in."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.Hughes hopes his side can learn the lessons of that setback, but appreciates the quality at Smith's disposal up front.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."That next goal was important. If we had got it, you don't know what could have happened."It was disappointing to concede four goals and we're going to have to work very hard to keep a clean sheet come Sunday."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."I have great trust and belief in them to go out there and give it their best shot."

Source: Team_Talk