Hibs’ long serving defender Paul Hanlon (pictured) insists that the players are concentrating on Sunday’s fixture against Alloa Athletic after a hectic few weeks which saw the Easter Road side overcome St Johnstone in front of a full house at Tynecastle in the League Cup semi-final then knock city rivals Hearts out of the Scottish Cup in front of a packed Easter Road. Sandwiched in between of course was a historic come back from two goals down to earn a replay against Hearts.
Head Coach Alan Stubbs’ and the players have always insisted that promotion from the Championship is the number one priority for the club so a win against the Wasps tomorrow is vital. Three points would move Hibs to within five points of leaders Rangers whom they have to play again Easter Road.
Last weekend, Rangers played first, dropping two points to Alloa however Hibs were unable to capitalise and were held to a draw against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
This week the situations are reversed with Hibs kicking off at 1.30pm and Rangers travel to face Queen of the south at 4pm.
Speaking ahead of the game to Hibs TV, Hanlon said: “Everyone’s buzzing around the place. Tuesday was obviously a massive win for the home club in front of a full house at Easter Road was great but we are now just focussed on Alloa.
“The Alloa game is massive. At this stage of the season you can’t afford any slip ups if we are going to get promoted at the end of the season. These games are important. We hope to put on a good performance, score a few goals and send the fans home happy again.
“The atmosphere on Tuesday was definitely the best at Easter Road and I have to say the three stands singing Sunshine on Leith at the end was great and every player that came back into the changing room mentioned it, saying ‘how good was that?’
“It really hit home with everyone in the squad about how big this club is and shows the potential that is here.
“The squad is full of confidence and we just look forward to the next game because we are confident that we are going to win every game we are involved in right now. It’s a great feeling and we are excited about the remainder of the season.”
Photo by John Preece
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
