Colin Nish is heading for an unwanted disciplinary double, but admits he won't care if his bustling style helps Hibernian book their ticket to Europe for next season.

The 27-year-old is again top of the SPL's crime table for individual players after committing 79 fouls and picking up nine yellow cards. He finished top last season and looks set to do so again.

Nish - last suspended in January at Kilmarnock - joked: "That's referees for you. I saw the statistics, somebody told me about it and I had a look. I think there are quite a few strikers actually on the list.

"I think it's just part and parcel of my job. Referees just think when you're going for a header or trying to hold the ball up that you're fouling maybe when you're not.

"I don't know, it was strange when I saw it. I'm not conscious of how many bookings I've had, I don't even think about it. My dad is always having a go at me, saying you got booked again, but it's usually for shouting at a referee. You get caught up in games sometimes and these things happen.

"It wouldn't bother me if I finished top of the table - I think I finished top last year, let's keep it going!"

Tomorrow's trip to Dundee United, who are level with Hibs, is crucial in the fight to close the two-point gap on Motherwell and Nish wants a win, no matter how it is achieved.

A boyhood Hibs fan, he admits playing in Europe for the first time in his career would be a massive highlight. "I've never played in Europe before so obviously it would be a massive thing for me personally, especially to play for Hibs.

"I think the last five games will probably get bigger and bigger, they'll be like cup finals.

"Every team is desperate to get third and it could even come down to our last game at home to Motherwell, which would be a big one.

"I would be quite happy if we're already guaranteed third before then, but I think we would have a slight advantage if we knew that we had to win to get into Europe."

Jon Daly, the Dundee United striker, feels like his campaign is only just about to begin, even though there are only five games left in the season.

He has been out all year with a combination of knee and ankle problems but recently returned to the first-team squad.

He has scored four goals in the last two reserve matches and hopes he has propelled himself to the forefront of his manager's thoughts for tomorrow's crucial game.

"I've hit a couple in the reserves now so that has boosted my confidence and so has playing 90 minutes a few times, so if the gaffer needs me to play then I'm ready to do it," he said.

"There are five games left and a lot of reserve games too so I'm looking to play a part in those. It's actually quite strange because this feels like the start of the season to me.

"I've been doing loads of gym work over the last few months and now I'm getting back on the football pitch the season is coming to an end.

"But at least I'm back while we've got five huge games to go and it's great to think I could be a part of that.

"There are three clubs desperate to get into Europe and it's basically a straight shootout between us. Whoever wins the most games against the same opponents will get there and that's great for the supporters.

"Hopefully it will all go to the final game of the season and it will be a massive day for Scottish football."

United could be boosted by the return of Darren Dods from a foot injury. The ex-Hibs player trained yesterday.