When John Hughes arrived at Easter Road, the Hibernian squad were given a clean slate to work from in terms of winning a first team place. With so many younger faces joining the squad, and the potential for new arrivals, winning the manager over early was always key. After starting in the first few pre-season matches, Steven Thicot has found himself back on the bench, a frustration for the Frenchman but one he's keen to overcome.

When Hibs defeated Hearts at Tynecastle at the end of last season, one of the big plusses to come from the game was the makeshift defensive partnership of Ian Murray and Steven Thicot. Between them, they formed a formidable barrier to the Hearts attack and gave the Hibernian support that evening a taste of what might be should there be any need to change personnel about defensively. Indeed, as the pre-season started, it was Thicot who was given the first opportunity at centre half alongside the newly promoted Ewan Moyes perhaps sparking some thoughts that he may be given the chance alongside Chris Hogg when the season began.

As the season approached, however, it was Sol Bamba who was given the nod ahead of Thicot and as he spoke to Hibernian TV this week, the Frenchman knows it's down to him and hard work to turn that round. "You want to play in every game and since the beginning of the season I've been in the squad but haven't played yet. Yes, I'm a little bit frustrated but I know how I am, I won't give up, I will work hard until I get a chance and I can show the manager I have to stay in the team. Until then, I will keep working because football is my life.

"Now I just have to enjoy every day in training and show the right things to the gaffer to impress him and to encourage him to put me in the starting eleven." As a 22 year old, some would still call him a younger member of the squad who has plenty time ahead of him to gain the experience needed to start every week. However that's not how the former French Youth International sees it, particularly when he looks at others he played alongside during those years.

"I'm not like that about my age, as you said not a lot of people know my age but I'm now in my fifth year as a professional. I signed when I was 18 in France so now at 22, I'm not young anymore. I've no time to lose, I need to play all the time every time to become a better footballer. First and foremost, I have to keep working. When you're playing, your confidence is much better so you can do more so I have to keep working and forget I'm 22!"

The full interview with Steven Thicot and this week's offerings from John Hughes are now available on http://www.hibernianfc.tv in the Talk Hibs > 2009 section. Tomorrow, Inside Easter Road catches up with Hibernian Goalkeeping Coach Scott Thompson.