Scottish Football: Hibernian flourishing with Miller

THE EAST end of Edinburgh is presently a happier place than its geographical equivalent in Glasgow. While Celtic continue to suffer slow strangulation, the other green-and- white-clad side, Hibs, have moved clear at the top of the Premier Division and they have a League Cup final with Rangers to look forward to, writes David McKinney.

Such a commendable position has been brought about by astute transfer dealings by Alex Miller. The arrival of the wingers, Kevin McAllister and Michael O'Neill, and the goalkeeper, Jim Leighton, has renewed confidence, restoring the spirit and sparkling football which produced League Cup success two years ago.

Their supporters appeared pleased enough with the 2-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park, achieved with goals by Darren Jackson and Keith Wright and stage-managed by Brian Hamilton in midfield.

Rangers produced their most convincing performance of the season, beating Dundee United 3-1 with all three of their goals being scored in the first half. Pieter Huistra, often criticised for lack of involvement in a game, scored twice and Mark Hateley added his eighth goal of the season.

Aberdeen tripped up at Firhill, conceding two goals in the first five minutes against Partick before fighting back to equalise, then losing out to a Roddy Grant goal after 71 minutes. At least Eoin Jess, their striker, played the full game after injury and he should be fit to travel to Italy with the Scotland squad.