BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Hibs midfielder John McGinn insists the Leith outift are relishing their eagerly-anticipated top of the table Championship showdown against Rangers.
Alan Stubbs’ team climbed onto 41 points with Mark Warburton’s side at the summit following a dramatic Saturday that saw Hibs clinch a late win over Queen of the South just hours after Rangers were beaten at Falkirk.
Hibs remain second on goal difference but Scotland Under-21 captain McGinn admits they are confident of becoming outright leaders when the teams meet next Monday.
McGinn, who watched Dom Malonga head in a 94th minute winner against Queens, said: “I think Rangers have always been looking over their shoulder. They can kid you on and say they haven’t, but we have always been there and that won’t change.
“They can’t ignore us now.
“Next week will be a really exciting game and it’s one we are all looking forward to.
“We don’t fear anyone because we know if we play to our best then we can beat anyone, but Rangers will feel the same.
“It’s going to be an end to end game but we need to role our sleeves up and try and get the three points.
“We are a confident bunch and we have the momentum and we have to make sure we hold onto that after the Rangers game.
“We need to handle the occasion but it’s important we view it as just another game.
“If you get carried away then you won’t play to your best and if we play to our best then we can get the win.”
McGinn was facing the prospect of missing the Queens and Rangers matches after being sent-off in the previous weekend’s draw with Falkirk.
But the 21-year-old had his dismissal reduced to a yellow card on appeal and he is thrilled to be available for the Ibrox clash.
He said: “I was dreading the thought of sitting out two games.
“Thankfully it got overturned because I’m really looking forward to it.
“Players want to play in big games and this one is massive so I didn’t want to miss it.”
