Heck is thinking positive
Paul Heckingbottom was sick of hearing about Hibs’ chances of losing to Rangers before they had even played St Mirren.
Now the Easter Road boss is out to prove six points out of six for his side isn’t a fantasy.
He said: “I got asked on three occasions before we played St Mirren: ‘Is it even more important that you get three points against them because you’ve got Rangers next?’
“Why? Do we get more points for that win?
“We know we’re playing one of the best two teams and it’s going to be tough.
“But any team that wants to win needs to have the right mentality.
“Celtic have won every domestic trophy for the last three seasons but, in Europe, if they’re going to win they’re going to have to be 100 per cent on it. Every team must have that to be successful.
“And our players won’t be fazed by it.”
H e c k i n g b o t t om applauded Kilmarnock’s efforts against Steven Gerrard’s side last week, seeing them come within seconds of a point.
But he insists Hibs will take a different approach. He said: “It’s disrespectful to say that Killie didn’t have a proper go – everyone will do it their own way.
“If you watch that game, there are bits you have to admire. In the second half they were more on the front foot, took more chances and were better to watch.
“They did it in their way and we’ll do it different. I wouldn’t want my team to sit on the edge of the box and have 90-yard counterattacks. But there’s no right or wrong way.
“We’ve had games at home against Gers when we’ve had to defend for our lives. But I couldn’t put 11 players out to defend.”