Whilst some would have shrugged aside the 6-0 hammering from Catalan giants Barcelona as inevitable, the defeat stunned Hogg and inspired him in equal measure. Experiencing up close the gap between his own game and that of some of the world's best players was a harsh lesson but one that the 23-year-old is eager to ensure he learns from.

"That game against Barcelona was a humbling experience, it was an embarrassment, if you like, for me," he said. "It shook me a bit because I've never been on the end of a defeat like that and it's something I never want to happen again. It just showed me how far off, personally, I am compared to other players in the world.

"You've got to marvel at their players and their performance that day. But I don't care who we're up against, if I get beaten by the scoreline we were beaten by it kills me. I know they're the top players in the world but you've got to look at how they got there and it's something I'll be focusing on to try and reach my potential. It was a good experience as well as an embarrassing one."

However, while that pre-season friendly at Murrayfield in July highlighted the gulf that exists between some of Scottish football's top players and those that are considered global superstars, Hogg is more confident the gap between Hibs and Rangers is one that can be bridged.

"Listen, they're human beings," he added when looking forward to tomorrow's live TV encounter at Easter Road. "It's a football game and, no disrespect to them, they're not Lionel Messi, who I faced in pre-season.

"The Barcelona game brought me down to earth and made me realise how good some players are. But, yet again, it showed me that they're only human beings.

"Rangers are the same, they haven't got any supermen, if you like. They're all very, very good football players and possess a lot of ability but we've beaten them before and we'll be going to beat them again."

Hibs will be without winger Alan O'Brien, who will be out for up to six weeks following knee surgery this week, and have doubts over striker Colin Nish, who sustained an ankle injury in the warm-up before last weekend's 1-0 win over Hamilton.

That victory was secured by a first goal from Derek Riordan since his return to the club from Celtic last month but, even though Nish's possible absence could force his hand, manager Mixu Paatelainen insists the 25-year-old is not yet up to full speed.

"If you ask Derek, I'm sure he will be ready to start," he commented. "But I don't think he's fully match-fit yet, although his fitness is improving.

"But we all know what he can do and he showed us that last Saturday. Whenever he plays, whether he starts or comes off the bench, hopefully there is goals."

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher has recovered from the virus which saw him substituted after only 38 minutes at New Douglas Park last Saturday and recent recruit Sol Bamba is also available again after serving a one-match suspension.