Defender Chris Hogg looks up to his club captain, Rob Jones, in more ways than the physical. The Hibs pair have formed a solid partnership in the centre of defence and surprising they went to the same school. Jones proudly lifted the CIS Insurance Cup a fortnight ago and Hogg admits the captain's influence on the team since joining from Grimsby last year has played a huge part in their success. Hogg said: "I think you can all see his strengths - he has been immense all season. He's a calming influence on the team, and tried to lead from example with his performances. He is a really good skipper - he's always talking to people. For me personally to play with him is great. He knows my strengths and I know his, and also each other's weaknesses. But I think we complement each other quite well with our styles."
Hogg revealed how he discovered that they went to the same school, although with Jones now 27 and Hogg just 22 they were never classmates. Hogg explained: "Rob was in the year above my older sister, Cherri, at Conyers in Yarm, near Middlesbrough. But we never knew each other because he is obviously a little bit older, although we have had a few discussions about teachers. It's a small world. I presume Rob played for the football team - I certainly did. We won one district cup when I was there, I don't think too many other players came out of the school. I moved away when I was 15 to go to Ipswich. When I was back home I'd drop in and see a few teachers and stuff. But I haven't been in for years."
Confidence in the Hibs camp is brimming following their cup success and Hogg is hoping that will transfer to the pitch on Sunday when they hope to get one over on their old rivals. The Tynecastle side ran out victors in the last league meeting in December but Hogg reckons Hibs have the quality to pick up three points. He added: "In every game against Hearts you are dying to win. We want to put on a performance and get a good result. If we perform well on Sunday the result will take care of itself. It's all about how we perform."
