Hughes hoping for derby glory

John Hughes wants to force Hearts supporters into hiding for a fortnight as he prepares for his first Edinburgh derby as Hibernian manager.

As a lifelong Hibs fan, as well as a former player at Easter Road, Hughes knows just how important bragging rights are in the Scottish capital.

"You want to walk about for the next couple of weeks in Edinburgh with a smile on your face, being proud to wear your Hibs jersey or your t-shirt, going into your work beside one or two Hearts supporters and making sure that they're hiding from you," said Hughes.

"That's what it's all about; that's what makes it special; that's what makes it more than just three points.

"I'll say this to the Hibs supporters: my dressing room know that."

While playing for the Leith club, Hughes famously adopted a fire-and-brimstone approach to derby games.

But Hughes the manager is a very different animal, it would seem.

He said: "I'm quite cool, calm and collected, to tell you the truth.

"I think the game will take care of itself; it's up to us to make sure that we're training properly and not get too excited."