ALAN STUBBS reckons hard work has been the secret to Hibernian’s success in the Championship so far this season.

The Easter Road side pulled level on points with title rivals Rangers at the top of the table on Saturday as a Jason Cummings strike clinched a 1-0 win over Alloa.

Hibs have a free weekend as they turn their attentions to the clash with Morton a week on Saturday and boss Stubbs is delighted with the mentality of his Leith squad.

He said: “You have to respond to things and we have. We have a lot of character within the team, a lot of ability, some great personalities, a lot of charisma but also a great work ethic amongst the group.

“That’s the reason why we have got these results. You don’t go and win 14 out of 15, eight straight league games without having the right ingredients, it’s just impossible.”