Lennon: being capital’s finest not main target

Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon has stressed his sights are trained well above being Edinburgh’s top team.

Hibs have taken seven points from three Ladbrokes Premiership games against Hearts this season and can extend a 20-point lead over their city rivals when they travel to Tynecastle tonight.

But Lennon’s aim is to establish Hibs as one of Scotland’s top few teams after ending their three-year absence from the top flight last year, and the derby is key to their hopes of finishing second as they battle with Aberdeen and Rangers.

A top-three finish would guarantee a Europa League place while fourth would be enough if Celtic beat Motherwell in the William Hill Scottish Cup final but Lennon is determined to push all the way.

When asked if Hibs had regained the upper hand in Edinburgh, Lennon said: “We certainly have this season. How long that lasts remains to be seen.

“We’re 20 points ahead, I think that’s very, very healthy and I think that doesn’t lie as to how strong and consistent we have been this season.

“My target isn’t to finish above Hearts or to be the top dogs in Edinburgh. It’s a by-part of the bigger picture for me. We have had a stellar season, and we want it to continue.

“It’s a derby, anything can happen, form goes out the window, I get that. But our objective is to win the game and it’s not because of social standing in the city. It’s because we want to finish second.”

Former Dundee United and St Johnstone midfielder Danny Swanson has recovered from a virus and is in the squad, while David Gray has recovered after six months out with an Achilles injury.