Hibs defender Darren McGregor believes racing to a six point lead over Dundee United at the Championship summit would send out a huge signal of intent.
Neil Lennon’s side can stretch their advantage at the top with victory in Friday’s top of the table televised showdown at Tannadice.
The Leith outfit are back on form following a sticky patch having won four out of their last five undefeated matches, and centre-half McGregor is keen to build on that momentum against United.
McGregor said: “It’s definitely a benchmark. The league won’t be won in December but if we get that six point gap then there is a mentality there to maintain it and kick on from there.
“But football is so unpredictable to think a six point gap would be enough to kick on. We just need to go into the game and try to win it.
“It’s a big one and that’s what you are in football for, the big games.
“I think at the start of the season people would probably have pinpointed ourselves and Dundee United as being the ones contesting for the top of the league.
“The last time at Easter Road it was one apiece so we have a point to prove and we are confident going into the game.
Hibs will go into the United clash without John McGinn after the influential midfielder was forced to undergo surgery to repair a persistent ankle injury.
