John Hughes has urged his Hibernian side to treat every game they play between now and May their biggest of the season.
Just two points behind second-placed Celtic and with a game in hand, they could find themselves splitting the Old Firm if results go their way when they face Aberdeen on Wednesday night. They then travel to Rangers on Sunday, having already drawn at Ibrox this season. But despite this week having the potential to define his side's campaign, Hughes wants all their remaining matches to mean just as much.
"You'll probably ask me the same question the next week and the week after and the week after," he said.
"Hopefully you're asking that question because we are still winning football matches. From now until the end of the season, all those questions will get answered and I'm just hoping that the boys are not afraid of it."
Hughes is confident his squad will rise to the challenge and believes they are close to playing their best football under him since he took charge in the summer.
"It's coming," he said.
"I've seen a vast improvement since the start of the season. I think we're more resolute, I think we're harder working.
"When I used to play a Hibs team, I always felt there was a wee bit of a softness about them.
"I think they've toughened themselves up. But we've still got miles to go."
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