Towell says Hibees can use hectic spell to kick-start season

The on-loan Celtic defender believes having matches coming thick and fast – starting with Saturday’s visit to SPL new boys Dunfermline and ending at Ibrox – will see the Easter Road squad get their game together.

Pointing out how he and striker Leigh Griffiths made their debuts against Hearts and were then left with a two-week hiatus between games because of Euro 2012 qualifying matches, Towell insisted a hectic schedule before the next international break can only benefit Calderwood’s new-look side.

After Saturday’s trip to East End Park Hibs face Motherwell in the Scottish Communities’ League Cup, host Dundee United and then St Johnstone in a rearranged SPL fixture before finishing against Rangers at Ibrox.

Towell, though, insisted he and his team-mates are relishing that hectic schedule. He said: “It’s been frustrating, you do not want to lose the derby and then have two weeks without a game. But including Sunday’s game against Aberdeen we’ll have had a run of six matches before next month’s international break which, along with the training sessions we’ll be having, will let us really bond as a team.

“It’s been a bit stop-start for everyone up to now which makes it difficult for everyone, particularly with a fair number of new players in the squad, to find a rthymn. Now, though, the aim is to go and collect as many points as we can, to put on the performances the fans want to see.

“The draw with Aberdeen is something to build on. The match against St Johnstone is a game in hand over a good number of teams and if we can put that night to good use along with these other games then I’m sure we’ll be climbing the table.”

Towell acknowledged, however, that it’s a challenging programme, revealing he won’t be under-estimating the Pars. He said: “I watched the highlights of last weekend’s game against Kilmarnock and I’d also seen them go up to Tannadice and beat Dundee United.

“They look like a really good team and we’ll have to be on top of our game especially at East End Park but it’s one we are looking forward to and hopefully we’ll be firing on all cylinders.”

Meanwhile, Hibs today refused to comment on speculation linking former Hearts No 2 Billy Brown with a move to become Calderwood’s assistant. The Easter Road club are said to have sounded Brown out although Jim Jefferies’ right hand man is understood to still be seeking compensation from the Gorgie outfit following their sensational sacking.