Hibernian manager John Hughes has labelled Saturday's Scottish Cup quarter-final against First Division Ross County at Easter Road his club’s biggest game of the season.
Hughes reckons the Staggies will not be short of confidence as they bid to extend Hibernian’s 108-year wait for a cup win.
Hibs have slipped to fourth in the SPL after a disappointing run of one win in six league games – their defeats including a 5-1 thrashing at St Johnstone .
Hughes scouted Ross County on Tuesday as the Dingwall men’s SPL hopes were dented by a loss to Raith Rovers.
But the Hibs manager is wary of the threat posed by County – especially after the Staggies hammered Stirling Albion 9-0 in the previous round.
Hughes said: “Saturday's game is the biggest of the season by far, so we are all really hoping our supporters fill the place and help push us a big step towards our aims.
“I've had County watched four times now and I was at their last game against Raith. From all the reports, they are a right good side and they have still got a challenge to go on and win the First Division.
“I don't think there is much between the top half of the First Division and the SPL. And on a cup day, anything can happen.
“They have their own agenda. They will fancy their chances. I think in the two or three times they have seen us, we were not at our best. I'm sure they looked at us at St Johnstone when we got turned over 5-1 so they will know all our strengths and weaknesses.
“They have probably seen us on a good day as well. It is a game we are looking forward to.
“The job their manager Derek Adams is doing is remarkable. They are the form team of the Scottish Cup. They scored nine goals last time so we are going to have to be at our best.”
Hibernian’s pursuit of cup success and third place in the SPL comes at a time when the Edinburgh club has begun work on building a new east stand and Hughes is keen to fuel the feelgood factor.
He added: “These really are exciting times at Hibernian. We were talking this week about the plans for the ground, the new stand and the pitch being extended so that it meets Uefa requirements.
“It is going to be a fantastic place to play and watch football. We have to do everything we can to make sure that when it is all ready next season we are playing on the European stage.”
Hibs have injury concerns before Saturday's tie, with Sol Bamba, Alan Gow and Merouane Zemmama doubts.
Hughes added: “We are struggling with a few injuries, Bamba with his shoulder, Gow with a hamstring and Zemmama with a hamstring. But we are hoping we can at least get two out of the three back.”