Hibernian boss urges focus from his team

John Hughes is desperate for Hibernian side to treat every game they play between now and May as their biggest of the season.

Just two points behind second-placed Celtic and with a game in hand, they could find themselves splitting the Old Firm if results go their way when they face Aberdeen on Wednesday night.

They then travel to Rangers on Sunday, having already drawn at Ibrox this season.

"You'll probably ask me the same question the next week and the week after and the week after," he said.

"Hopefully you're asking that question because we are still winning football matches.

"From now until the end of the season, all those questions will get answered and I'm just hoping that the boys are not afraid of it."

Hughes is confident his squad will rise to the challenge and believes they are close to playing their best football under him since he took charge in the summer.

"It's coming," he said.

"I've seen a vast improvement since the start of the season.

"I think we're more resolute, I think we're harder working.

"When I used to play a Hibs team, I always felt there was a wee bit of a softness about them.

"I think they've toughened themselves up.

"But we've still got miles to go."

He added: "If anyone wants to sit here and think they're guaranteed a first-team place then they'll find themselves sitting beside me or in the stand.

"That's how you have to be if you want to be a successful club.

"You have to have that depth within your squad, everyone capable of coming into that first team.

"I think that we're starting to get towards that."