SMITH NOT ANXIOUS ABOUT HEARTS

Hibernian defender Gary Smith is refusing to look over his shoulder as Edinburgh rivals Hearts aim to close in on third place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Tony Mowbray's Easter Road side were nine points clear of the Jambos earlier in the season and in a strong position to earn a UEFA Cup place.

But the improving Tynecastle team have now reduced the deficit to three points on the back of a run of six games without defeat in the SPL.

However, the 33-year-old insists it is Hearts who must do all the running in the race for Europe between the capital clubs.

Smith said: "We are aware of Hearts closing the gap, but I would still rather be in our position than theirs. We are third and they have got to catch us.

"The competition for third place is good for the city but we just look at our own situation rather than anyone else and, as long as Hibs are doing well, then I am happy.

"We don't look at it long term, we look at it game by game and try and win the next one.

"You look back at the end of the season and analyse everything then but, for now, you just look at it match to match.

"When the manager came in, he said he was looking for an improvement in our league position and we are going to finish in the top six at least, so that is an improvement on last year."

Smith will also adopt the same cautious approach to his own future with his current deal at the club set to expire this summer.

He said: "At the moment, I'm just happy to be playing and we will just leave it to the summer and see what happens.

"I'm just concentrating on playing and not thinking about anything else."

But Hibs manager Mowbray praised Smith's professionalism and hinted that the veteran could remain at Easter Road beyond the summer.

He said: "Gary just needed an opportunity to get in the team.

"Ian Murray and Gary Caldwell hit off a great partnership and Steven Whittaker held down the right-back role and so it was difficult for Gary to get into the team.

"When we picked up injuries and suspensions, he got an opportunity and to be fair he took it.

"Prior to the defeat at Rangers last week, we had four clean-sheets on the bounce and, credit to him, he has done a fantastic job and has shown that age is no barrier to performances.

"I stopped playing at 37 and I played some of the best football in the last few years of my career.

"I recognised the strengths of my opponents, got in the right position and was aware of opponents who had real pace.

"And Gary is one of the fittest players we have got. When we do fitness work, he is up there with the young boys.

"So I'm sure Gary can play at a good level for a few years yet and, like all the players here, he is playing for a new contract."

Taken from sportinglife.com