Alan Stubbs hopes for an early goal against Dumbarton

Hibs have the chance to make up ground on either leaders Hearts or second place Rangers who meet this afternoon at Tynecastle, but Head Coach Alan Stubbs knows his players will have to be at their best to beat Ian Murray’s Dumbarton.

Hibs have consolidated their position in the top four after a run of unbeaten games, but a recent run of injuries including goalkeeper Mark Oxley, defender Jordon Forster and midfielder Scott Robertson has been a cause for concern for the supporters, but these are the type of games that the club have to win if they are to return to the top division next year.

Speaking to Hibs TV, Stubbs said: “We know we’re going to be in for a difficult game.

“Whenever we’ve played Dumbarton they’ve got everybody behind the ball and made it difficult for us.

“So we don’t expect it to be any different. I just think that we’re on top we need to score an early goal to help settle us down – to give us a platform to move on from.

“What I will say is that when we haven’t scored we’ve still looked to be in control of games.

“But we just need to show that killer instinct and when we do get opportunities we need to take them.”

Meanwhile Hibs’ legend Pat Stanton will be at the Clubstore today between 10.30 and 12.30 to sign copies of his Dream Team book.