Last Updated: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:13
Hibernian midfielder John Rankin says he is hopeful that the international break won't have killed the momentum Hibs had.
While a weekend without a game has given the likes of Merouane Zemmama, Liam Miller and Kevin McBride a chance to get fit for Saturday's trip to St Mirren, Rankin is fearful it may have killed the head of steam the Edinburgh-based club had.
The goalless draw with Hearts before the international break made it seven SPL matches without defeat and Rankin says he hopes Hibs can pick up from where they left off to keep the heat on Rangers and Celtic.
"I think it came at both the right time and wrong time for us. The right time because it will, we hope, have allowed Zouma, Liam and Kevin the chance to get over the injuries they've been carrying but the wrong time because a break is the last thing we'd have wanted given the run we have been on," said Rankin.
"After seven matches without defeat, we'd have loved the chance to keep that momentum going, now we have to hope we can pick up where we left off."