New manager John Hughes hopes Steven Fletcher and Rob Jones will follow his example by turning their backs on a move to England to commit to Hibernian.

Fletcher has been vocal about his desire to further his career in England's top flight.

And defender Jones has been a target for Colchester and Nottingham Forest.

Hughes said: "I think Steven will want to work with me. I might be wrong. And why can't I inspire Rob and get him to sign another year's contract?"

A Hibs fan since childhood, Hughes has captained the team and, despite being linked with Blackpool and Swansea, has now signed a three-year deal to manage the Easter Road outfit.

"I want my players to be ambitious. I think I've got a bunch of players at Hibs who want to go and play in the English Premier League," said the 44-year-old boss.

"But I've got three years here. Let's make sure that I'm here for three years.

Hughes hopes Fletcher and Jones will be part of his plans at Easter Road

"And if I'm here for another three years and another three years after that, and happy at my work, then I'll be delighted.

"I'd like to think if that English thing ever comes up, it would be because we've done a fantastic job at Hibs in the three years or five years here."

And the former Falkirk manager is enthusiastic about his new role in Leith.

He said: "As soon as the phone call came from Hibs, there was only one place I wanted to be.

"The transformation in this club since I was here as a player is day and night.

"The support structure that's in place, the infrastructure that's in place, the training facilities, it's absolutely fantastic and it's inspiring."

It is just this sort of passion for the club that Hughes hopes will rub off on Fletcher and Jones.

"Steven's under contract so what he needs to do is come back here, knuckle down and go and enjoy himself and score goals," he said.

"I'll sit down with big Rob as well. I know he's possibly wanting to go back down south for family commitments.

"If that is the case, you have to respect that," but Hughes nevertheless will attempt to coax the Hibs centre-half to captain his side.

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