John Hughes warns Hibs they may become 'scalp'

HIBERNIAN manager John Hughes has told his players they must deal with being seen as an SPL scalp if they are to continue challenging the Old Firm at the top of the league.

The Easter Road side travel to face St Mirren after the current international break as they enter the second round of fixtures and Hughes insists he would be delighted if they could repeat their 21-point haul from the first quarter.

However, he warned: "Because we are riding so high now I think we are becoming a scalp. We have to be prepared for that and have to be patient in games."

With eight players away on international duty this week, Hughes will face an anxious wait to find out how his squad will be affected on their return.

Scotland's Derek Riordan has a foot injury, Liam Miller has already been sent home by the Republic of Ireland with a calf strain, but the biggest worry is Ivory Coast player Sol Bamba.

"Big Souleymane is a bit of a concern. His knee injury has been bothering him for a while now," said Hughes.

"I wouldn't like to think the international team is going to get everything off him and we have to pick up the pieces in terms of the injury front. I need him as well."