Alan Stubbs believes players answered their critics with derby win

Hibs’ Head Coach Alan Stubbs believes that his players answered their critics with a winning performance against champions Hearts yesterday.

Goals from Jason Cummings and Farid El Alagui secured the victory, Stubbs first derby win since he took over in the summer.

After the game, a delighted Stubbs said: ‘Two weeks ago we were being questioned. People were asking if this was the wobble and was this Hibs; season ending again. Football can change very quickly. Suddenly after two results we are building momentum again. I think the players have always answered the criticism.

“‘When you have played well against the champions, as we have done this season, and not got three points, I think it is important.Sometimes it can just linger on and it puts self-doubt in not just the players’ minds but the fans’ minds as well. I was proud of the players today, I really was. They were courageous and brave so I am delighted for them.’

The icing on the cake for Stubbs was the fact that the second goal was scored by El Alagui who has only recently returned to the team following a long term injury.

Stubbs continued: “I’m absolutely delighted for him. He has had a really tough seven months, with a horrendous injury. I don’t think people understood just how bad the injury was and the fact he is back playing now is all credit to him.The surgeon deserves praise for the procedure he did and it’s great to have him back, because he is something we have missed. I think Farid is only going to get better, he is still not where we would like him to be. He needs more strength and speed put into him, but he will get that by playing games and working on his programme.”