HIBS boss Mixu Paatelainen hopes Rangers creak under the strain of trying to keep in touch with SPL leaders Celtic when they host Hibs on Saturday.

The Easter Road outfit make the trip full of confidence as they look to extend a five-game unbeaten run which includes a 2-0 win over Celtic.

Rangers have also recently dropped points and remain four points behind their city rivals.

"They are under pressure because they are behind Celtic and we will go there with a plan to win the game," the Finn said. "We know it's going to be difficult but it is possible and we will go for it.

"Recently, the Old Firm have dropped points against other clubs but they are very, very strong and they have quality players. They win more than they lose or draw and we need to be at our best if we are to take anything."

Meantime, Paatelainen hopes to unleash former Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson on Edinburgh rivals Hearts when they travel to Tynecastle on January 3.

The Finn was paraded at half-time during the 2-0 win over Hamilton Accies at the weekend, and was put through his first training session under compatriot Paatelainen this week.

The 33-year-old forward, who joins from Malmo, will sign an 18-month deal at the turn of the year and the coach said: "The aim is to have him fit for January 1.

"We have another three weeks and he will use that period to get back to full sharpness."