Hughes tips tenacious Riordan to come good

HIBERNIAN manager John Hughes has backed Derek Riordan to come good. Hibs' loss of form has coincided with a barren spell for the striker, who returned to the team in Saturday's 1-1 draw with St Johnstone after being dropped for the previous game at Motherwell.

"In terms of technique and finishing, Derek Riordan is the best at this club," said Hughes. "On Saturday I felt he worked harder than he has ever done, and I'll tell you why.

"It's because we keep saying, 'Derek you need to do this, you need to do a lot of things off the ball'. I just feel he is taking all that on board and working a lot harder. I'm sure the goals will come for him again."

Hughes added: "It is disappointing to have dropped points in the last couple of weeks. I think everyone knows I am desperate that we get that third spot – and I know that the spirit in our dressing room is there and that they want that as well. Perhaps one or two of them have been letting things get on top of them recently; maybe one or two are trying a little bit too hard. I can see a little bit of that in Liam Miller's game, where he is trying just a bit too hard in places."