POINTS PLAUDITS
Jack:We played well at Ibrox last term but lost twice so this time I want..
PLENTY of plaudits but no points was the mantra as Hibs impressed on two trips to Ibrox last season.
They were in good company with no side taking anything from Govan on league business as Rangers romped to the title.
That’s of no interest to Jack Ross as he prepares his side for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash in Glasgow, looking to improve on 1-0 and 2-1 defeats on their last visits.
The Easter Road club, who yesterday confirmed the exit of sporting director Graeme Mathie after seven years in the building, know the prize on offer is heading into the international break top of the table – albeit that will also depend on Hearts’ fortunes at home to Motherwell tomorrow.
Hibs have begun the process of replacing Mathie but Ross is certain the chief talent spotter
has left him with a stronger squad at his disposal this season.
Now he wants them to prove they’re stronger in mind too by dumping Steven Gerrard’s side in their own backyard by any means possible.
Ross said: “I was pleased with our performances against Rangers in the main last year but I acknowledge also that we didn’t win those games at Ibrox.
“We have to put that right. Both times we were well in the match but we need to try to better that. That’s why they are champions – because they were able to win games in all sorts of ways.
“It’s something we have got a bit better at this season.
“Looking at the challenge on Sunday, we need to play well and replicate big parts of those performances from last season and do better. We had opportunities we could have capitalised on.
“We didn’t keep a clean sheet either and that obviously gives you a platform to go and win a game. Then you rely on your creativity and ruthlessness.
“We have spoken quite a lot about never wanting to be satisfied with playing well but losing. If I’m being honest, I would take playing not so well but winning the match.
“Ideally we play well and get a positive result.
“Every time we do that, it increases belief and confidence within the group. They are in a good place at the moment but you want to keep growing that.”
Ross signed seven summer recruits, including Jake DoyleHayes and James Scott, and is convinced his squad has been strengthened again from last season. He added: “We have been hit with longer-term injuries, so we have done well to have the consistency.
“If we have everyone fit and available, then we continue that progression as a group.
“The players are aware they are a good side and we remind them what they need to do to show that.
“We have dipped a little performance-wise over the last weeks, even although we still produced decent results.
“That shows we have found different ways to win the games but going into Sunday we spoke a lot about having to produce our best to win.”
Hibs are a driving force in the five-way Premiership alliance looking to better market the Scottish game.
This weekend sees the top two meet at Ibrox while across the M8 third-placed Hearts take on Motherwell who sit fourth. Three hours before kickoff at Ibrox, Aberdeen go up against Celtic at Pittodrie.
Ross said: “It highlights that there are really good clubs in Scotland who have untapped potential and are still trying to be consistently competitive at the right end of the table.
“It is one thing to do it over seven games – and there have been quite a few instances in recent times of teams doing that – but it is about taking it beyond that.
“That’s the challenge, not just for me but for Robbie Neilson, Graham Alexander or teams who see themselves in that type of position.”