Hibs' condition getting better and better ahead of huge Aberdeen trip

Agreeing with Mark Twain’s assertion that while facts are stubborn things, statistics are pliable, Hibs manager Shaun Maloney has refused to be held hostage by basic figures.

It was former Aberdeen manager Ebbe Skovdahl who said that statistics are like mini-skirts in the sense “they give you good ideas but hide the important things", and as Hibs prepare for their cinch Premiership trip to Pittodrie, things are certainly looking a lot more attractive.

Instead of two wins from 10 in their preceding matches, their victory over Motherwell on Saturday made it six games without defeat. They have conceded just one goal in five and while the goalscoring stats have made pretty miserable reading ahead of that game, Elias Melkersen brightened the mood with two goals from one start.

“I don't think I ever get too up or down. Even before Motherwell there were parts of our performances I was still happy with, although I think it was quite clear there were areas we had to push to improve.

“I was pleased with the form before Motherwell, even though I knew we could improve a lot in certain areas.”

Booking a spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals has given them belief to take into the final three games before the split and the knowledge that if they can keep churning out more positive numbers, a tumultuous season could yet prove to be a memorable one.

“So confidence is good but it’s certainly not the time to be happy with what we have, we need to keep trying to improve and keep pushing,” said the Easter Road gaffer.

Pleased with individual performances last week that were very high, he continued: “Like Sylvester Jasper in the first half, and Elias – even ones that might not catch the eye as much. Drey Wright's performance was very good,