Hughes backs strike duo to shine

Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2009 by PA

Hibernian boss John Hughes believes he witnessed the start of a special partnership between Derek Riordan and Anthony Stokes in Wednesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup second-round win over Brechin.

Stokes laid on Riordan's delightful chipped opener in a 3-0 victory and the pair also combined well on other occasions as Hibs cruised into round three.

However, new signing Stokes did miss a hatful of chances to open his account for his new club.

"He was trying too hard towards the end but you can see his goals will come," said Hughes before comparing Riordan and Stokes' partnership to the one that blossomed between Darryl Duffy and Andy Thomson when he was manager of Falkirk.

"In terms of link-up play, him and Derek are starting to get an understanding.

"The last time I saw that was when I bought Darryl Duffy and Andy Thomson when I was at my other club.

"They just clicked, they had a great understanding, a great partnership.

"I sort of saw that tonight as well with Stokesy and Derek."

Riordan was also at the heart of Hibs' second goal, his cross deflecting in off Ian Nimmo in the 16th minute.

Paul Hanlon then wrapped up the scoring 10 minutes after half-time with a stunning 25-yard strike.

But it was the host of chances missed by 21-year-old Stokes - including at least one sitter - which Hughes felt he had to excuse.

"He's just a baby, everybody forgets that," said the Hibs boss, who was pleased with his side's attitude against their Irn-Bru Second Division opponents.

"I felt it was a good, professional job - it had to be.

"You have to compliment Brechin. They were resolute, hardworking.

"I got everything I needed out the game. The attitude was right, we passed it really well.

"Delighted about the goals. Derek's first one was just top drawer again.

"I'm delighted for young Hanlon to get that goal. He was up and down there all night long.

"We had to make sure that it wasn't a banana skin and that we got ourselves in the draw for the next round."

Hughes, whose next assignment is Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League visit of Celtic, added: "We came through it unscathed - no injuries - and got ourselves ready to go for Sunday."

Brechin boss Jim Duffy was quick to applaud the performance by Hibs, with whom he endured a disastrous spell as manager in the late 1990s.

"It was a really good performance from Hibernian," Duffy said.

"I thought they played a really expansive game, stretched the game really well.

"Obviously, the first goal was a bit of class.

"It's not the first time and it won't be the last time Derek Riordan does that.

"The last goal was quality as well."

Duffy insisted he could have asked no more of his own side, saying: "All I can do is ask the players to give everything, which I thought they did do."