Nish has scored twice in the SPL for Hibs this season

Hibernian striker Colin Nish says his team have got a taste of what life must be like playing for the Old Firm.

The Edinburgh side are two points off top spot in the league and Nish feels their form has made opponents deploy more defensive formations.

"When teams come to Easter Road now they probably change their tactics and sit behind the ball a bit more than against other teams," said Nish.

"I suppose we're just finding out what it's like for Rangers and Celtic."

Hibs have gone on a nine-game unbeaten run and the former Kilmarnock player is of the opinion that his team is now considered as 'a scalp' in the eyes of other Scottish Premier League clubs.

Nish has struggled to command a regular place this season, with competition up front from Derek Riordan, Anthony Stokes, Abdessalam Benjelloun and Kurtis Byrne.

However, he lasted 90 minutes in last weekend's 2-0 win over Falkirk and hopes to retain his position when Motherwell visit Edinburgh on Saturday.

"It's tough," said the 28-year-old. "I think I played every week last year.

"I think I should be playing every week but it's the manager who picks the team.

"It's difficult to make him change his mind. I did that last week and hopefully I can keep that going.

"We've got a really strong squad so if you're not doing the business, you'll get dropped.

"I think the manager's proved that with the players he's dropped throughout the season. He's not afraid to drop anyone."

Despite their lofty perch, boss John Hughes insists Hibs are yet to hit top form since he arrived at Easter Road this summer.

And, having laboured in their last three outings, Nish agrees with that assessment.

"I don't think some of the games we've played we've had our best performances but we've still come away with the three points," said the striker.

"It just shows you what we've got. We know if we're not doing well, we can still dig in.

"It's more than we would have done last year."

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