Collins looks for an end to costly errors

JOHN COLLINS today urged his players to turn Easter Road into a fortress by cutting out the errors which led to Boxing Day derby heartache.

Individual mistakes saw Hearts race into a two-goal lead at Tynecastle and, although Hibs pulled it back to 2-2, a late strike from Saulius Mikoliunas handed all three points to the home side.

Collins conceded that his side have had a tendency to give goals away too cheaply over the past couple of seasons and is determined to resolve that situation.

He's unbeaten in the five home games he's taken charge of so far and is determined to erase the memory of Tuesday's defeat by putting in a performance which will extend that run against Dunfermline tomorrow.

The Hibs boss, who will have captain Kevin Thomson available again after injury, said: "We're looking to bounce back from that defeat and to be honest tomorrow's game can't come quickly enough.

"The way that the games fall over Christmas and New Year mean that there are a few games in just a couple of weeks so that means we can go out and rectify the situation quickly.

"We are still giving away goals too cheaply and that is something that we will have to iron out in training. We have been working on that and it is important that we cut them out.

"We are unbeaten in our last five home games, we want to extend that and if we play the way that we are capable of then we have a chance of doing that. It is important that we go out and put on a show for our supporters.

"You want to win every game, but particularly your home games and if we can do that then we won't be far away.

"There is still a long way to go in the league and, while the result was obviously very disappointing for everyone at the club and for the supporters, there are still a lot of points to be played for."

Collins' side were reduced to ten men against Hearts when Dean Shiels was red carded for barging into goalkeeper Craig Gordon after levelling from the penalty spot. The Easter Road side felt that decision was harsh and have launched an appeal against the decision, meaning the Irishman is free to face the Pars.

The sense of injustice felt by the players has left the Easter Road camp in determined mood ahead of the clash with Stephen Kenny's side: "There were a few negatives from the derby but there were also a lot of positives for us to take. My players played the game the way it is supposed to be played and didn't panic, even at 2-0 down

"There has been an air of disappointment and determination among the boys in training," added Collins. "They all want to go out on Saturday, show what they can do and get the right result."

Taken from the Scotsman