John Hughes feels Hibernian's youth set-up still needs improving despite high praise from Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson praised Hibs' programme - a scheme which has produced the likes of Scotland internationals including Kenny Miller, Scott Brown, Garry O'Connor and Derek Riordan - on Monday when quizzed about the footballing malaise in Scotland.

Hughes said: "If you can keep them together you can build something special.

"What my challenge and my vision is, eventually I want to be challenging the Old Firm.

"I still feel to do that we're still a good few years away.

"It takes time, you've got to nurture your young boys, you have to really make sure they're battle-hardened, tough characters, so when they go to Parkhead and Ibrox, they go on that stage and excel.

"We're still a wee bit away from that."

Former Scotland coach Craig Brown, who is now in charge of Motherwell, believes there is no chance of any team in Scotland separating the Old Firm any time soon.

Hughes agreed with Brown's assessment, but insisted challenging the dominance of Rangers and Celtic was his target.

"I know where he's coming from, because they're so far in front financially," said Hughes.

"But as a young manager or coach that has to be your drive.

"They're out in front, they set the benchmark, so you try and build a team and a club to try and get as close to them as you can.

"It takes time. I'm talking about kids in the under-17s, 19s and 15s. "That's where all the work should be put in."