Hibernian's crunch match against fourth placed Dundee United at Easter Road on Saturday could see the side consolidate their league position ahead of another international break next week - a win would indeed provide the perfect send-off to a raft of players who will once again be involved with their various international sides.

David Wotherspoon and Paul Hanlon have proven to be important players for John Hughes this season, and the manager will be delighted that both youngsters have been called up once again to the Scotland Under-21 side that will take on Belarus on 10th October at St Mirren Park. Meanwhile the Scotland Under-19 side will gather for their trip to Austria with Callum Booth included in their number. The full international squad for the trip to Japan next week is due to be announced today.

First however the side need to take on Dundee United, with skipper Chris Hogg this week on Hibernian TV duty. Hogg was back in the Hibernian starting line-up at Motherwell last week, helping in a much more convincing performance that took Hibernian to joint second in the SPL after six games: "We played some really good football in particular when we went 3-1 up and everyone relaxed, which is not a position we've been in for a while," Hogg said, adding: "It is really about our mindset and mental attitude and that is something that we do need to work hard on in future, and when we get it right keep it that way. What we had last week was eleven players working really hard and if we can do that week in week out then we can grind out results if and when we don't play well."

Hibernian have had some monumental tussles with Dundee United in recent years, the Tannadice club always it seems sticking close to Hibernian in the league - and suffering similar disappointment in just missing out on European football. It is something both clubs are determined to put to rights this season, and that will depend a great deal on the points they manage to win against each other: "We always know exactly what to expect in any game these days against Dundee United, we are going to have to combat their style and deal with it - I always like playing against them. The manager will pick his team to win the game and we are at home so we need to use that, we have to deal with the physically but if we are all working off the same page and do what we did last time out I'm sure we will do well again this Saturday.

"We have added some really good players to the squad with a deal of experience - Anthony Stokes is still young I know but he has great experience while Liam Miller trains really well and we saw last Saturday how good can be in games. They have both proven to be great additions to the squad and I'm sure they will get even better as they get their fitness right up to speed and settle into the team."

Tickets are still available for Hibernian v Dundee United - follow links to the ticket information page for details.