It is another huge game for The Hibees as the reach to finish in the top four intensifies – with all 12 teams in action this evening and only five points separating fourth and tenth place.
Momentum is building in the right direction for The Hibees after impressive performances against Arbroath (3-1 win), Ross County (2-0 win) and our goalless draw with Celtic on Sunday.
Maloney is determined to keep up the momentum by picking up another three points this evening against bottom side Dundee. Speaking to Hibs TV, he told us:
“The squad are feeling confident at the moment and we should be. We got a good point against Celtic in what was a good performance. They are in good spirits and we are determined not to let that momentum slip.
“It is a huge game. Because the table is so tight, one win or a negative result can have a big influence on your league position.
“We have to be right at it, we have to have the same mentality that we showed against Arbroath, Ross County and Celtic. We need to show our fight and desire to win the game. That has got to be the starting point, the foundation has got to be the mentality."
Maloney will be without the services of up to ten First Team players, the latest of which is Kevin Nisbet who has been ruled out for the rest of the season following the results of his scan.
Despite this, the Gaffer sees this as a good opportunity for the younger players in the squad to take their chance.
“It is a difficult time injury-wise, I don’t think I have ever been involved in a team with as many injuries. But on the plus side, it is giving the younger players the opportunity to prove themselves.
“I think the average age of the team is one of the youngest, not only in our league but in Europe really. We do have some really good senior players in the team too who have been performing well.
“That is football though – if someone gets injured then it is now your opportunity. So far the young boys have put in some really big performances and have taken their chance."
