Hibernian to add striker and defender during January

Stubbs does not fear losing players

Hibernian have lined up a striker and defender to add to their squad during January, says manager Alan Stubbs.

The Edinburgh side sit second in the Scottish Championship, three points behind Rangers, as the pair chase the one automatic promotion place.

"We're going to bring another striker in and we'll bring a defender in," Stubbs told BBC Scotland, saying he had earmarked specific players.

"They are our two main priorities. That is where we're looking to strengthen."

Stubbs was not fearful of losing any of his in-form squad once the transfer window opens.

"When they are playing well, you do run the risk of potential admirers becoming more interested, but that's what football is all about," he said.

"The most important thing is enjoying the football. They can see the club going in the direction that will hopefully suit their needs.

"January could come and go and I would be happy with what we've got.

"We will add, I've said that all along, but we're not looking at anybody leaving."

Stubbs is enjoying his on and off-field jousts with Rangers counterpart Mark Warburton

Stubbs is relishing the battle against the Glasgow club - and his own verbal jousts through the media with Rangers counterpart Mark Warburton.

"It's great," he said. "We get called boring so and sos and, when suddenly there is a bit of personality, it is a war of words, which it isn't.

"Every manager across the country will have respect for each other, but sometimes words are taken out of context to make a story.

"I respect Mark and Rangers, it's a challenge and we're both living up to it at the moment and there's going to be plenty of twists and turns."

Stubbs realised there was an expectation at Ibrox that their side would win the title.

"But we think we are going to win the league as well," he pointed out. "I don't think there is anything wrong with that.

"If we think we are going to finish second, because if you don't believe when you've got a really good group of players, we might as well give up now."

Stubbs was not banking on Rangers' players crumbling under the pressure of expectations.

"In stature, Rangers are a bigger club, but when you talk about pressure and aspirations, I feel that ours are as big because, at the end of the day, you have to have big ambitions," he added.

"No matter how small or big the club is, we want it as much as them."