Hibs chief backs Smith after losing six goals

HIBS boss John Hughes today gave Graeme Smith a vote of confidence in the wake of losing six goals against Motherwell, telling the goalkeeper he'll take the gloves for Sunday's last chance bid for Europe.

Smith will line up against Dundee United at Tannadice despite being held culpable by some for the fourth and fifth goals conceded as the Fir Park outfit fought back from being 6-2 down to snatch a dramatic 6-6 draw in the dying seconds of Wednesday night's match.

But Hughes today underlined his faith in a player he signed during the January transfer window by informing him 48 hours before kick-off he'll be between the sticks.

He said: "I have great confidence in Graeme, that's why I brought him here. It will be Graeme in goal on Sunday."

Smith has endured a chequered few months at Easter Road as Hughes acknowledged, the 26-year-old having found himself in and out of the team as he's challenged Graham Stack for the jersey, but the Hibs manager firmly believes the former Rangers and Motherwell player has the strength of character to cope with the pressure the team as a whole find themselves under following their capitulation in Lanarkshire.

He said: "I have been in that position myself, giving away a couple of goals but that's where your strength of character comes in. That's why I am telling him today he's playing and hopefully he'll turn in such a performance on Sunday he'll go away for the summer with a spring in his step."

Hughes today insisted that no one player was to blame for what happened at Fir Park, adamant that defending must start from the front saying: "If that doesn't happen it falls back on the midfield, if they then don't win their battles it falls back on the defence and then on to the goalkeeper.

"We have to be hard working from the front as we did for a good hour at Motherwell where, I felt, we played some really good football and scored some great goals."

Sol Bamba is available after a three match suspension and while the Ivory Coast defender is certain to take his place at the back, Hughes revealed he'll be having a chat with him before making a final decision.

He said: "I'll have to learn his mindset. He's going to the World Cup but I need one big final game out of him. That's what I am looking for, a top performance."