Rangers enjoyed being on top of the SPL for a few days till last night and want to enjoy that heady feeling again.

Hibs have four players back from suspension ahead of tonight's game at Easter Road against Rangers. Captain Rob Jones, defensive partner Chris Hogg, midfielder Sol Bamba and striker Colin Nish - who is struggling with a groin problem - are all available after bans. However, manager Mixu Paatelainen will be without keeper Grzegorz Szamotulski and Denes Rosa because of injury but could have Jonatan Johansson back from the knock that kept him out of last week's win over Hearts. Paatelainen is hoping his side can play on any nerves in the Rangers squad as he targets the wins over the Old Firm that would see them play a major role in the destination of the title. Celtic took the lead in the title race last night with a 2-1 win over Dundee United and Paatelainen knows Walter Smith's team will arrive in the capital determined to overtake their old rivals again. However, the Finn is also eager to see how Rangers react if things do not go all their own way against a Hibs team who, despite pushing them close in the recent 3-2 defeat, have so far failed to take a single point from their previous encounters this season.

He said: "Rangers are full of confidence and they know if they win their remaining matches they are champions. They are determined and they will make matches very difficult for their opponents, no doubt, as always. There is an extra-positive motivation for Rangers now and that makes it even harder for us and the other teams to play against them. But a draw is not a good result for Rangers, so the longer the game goes, if we can defend well, they will get anxious and a little bit nervous and probably start forcing their passes a little bit. In that respect they could make it a little bit easier for us. I don't worry too much how Rangers players will react or feel out there, I've got enough to worry about how we play and keep our concentration, but hopefully we can cause them problems and they get nervous and frustrated."

Rangers have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game. Maurice Edu missed training as a result of a knee injury following an alleged kick by Glenn Loovens during Saturday's Old Firm derby win. However, the American midfielder is expected to be fit for the trip to Edinburgh, but Sasa Papac is likely to remain on the sidelines after missing several games through injury. Neil Alexander reckons it would be "criminal'' of Rangers to throw away the title after moving into pole position. Alexander said of the weekend win over Celtic at Ibrox. "It's one of the best feelings I've ever experienced in my career to be honest. The final whistle was more relief than anything. We know it was such a vital game and to get the three points and come through the game successfully was a great feeling and one I'll remember for a long time. But it's only a good result if we go on and beat Hibs. It would be criminal to throw it away now after doing so well. It was a great result and we are on a good run but we need to keep it going. It counts for nothing unless we go on and win the league. We are in a good position, we know that, but there is still a lot to do and I'm sure Celtic are aware of that as well."

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