Killie FC: Jim Jefferies praises players' fighting spirit

May 15 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

KILLIE players took the plunge on Monday as the battle continues to ensure survival in the SPL.

The squad had a swim to ease away the stiffness and pain from the bruising battle against Falkirk last Saturday.

Said manager Jim Jefferies: “We had them in on Sunday to loosen up and work off any niggling injuries, and the following day we did some light training before hitting the pool, for it’s not really about fitness at this stage of the season.”

Jefferies was delighted with the battling qualities shown by his players after going a goal down, but thought they deserved all three points.

He said: “We could have been a couple of goals up by the time they scored. Kevin (Kyle) came close with a couple of headers, and their goalkeeper was fortunate to keep the ball out with his foot. We also had two decent shouts for penalties.

“It was a very important game for us and their heads might have gone down when we went a goal behind, but they kept plugging away.”

Jefferies said claims that his players didn’t have the bottle for a relegation scrap were blown away by their performance.

“Overall the commitment and attitude they showed was great,” he continued, “but it’s what I’d expect from them in the position we’re in.

“On another day we could have had three points.”

Sixth placed Motherwell did four of the bottom teams a big favour by beating St Mirren on their own patch last weekend, and Killie had the opportunity on Wednesday to all but seal their SPL place with a win over the Paisley Buddies.

“It’s another massive game for us, and each game becomes more so as the fixtures run out.

“But then at this stage of the season every game is important for every club that’s fighting for survival.

“We’ll take every game in our stride between now and the end of the season,” he added.

The good news is that Jefferies reported no injuries after the Falkirk match and was in the position of being able to field a strong team against St Mirren on Wednesday.

David Fernandez, who twisted a knee in training last week, was left on the bench against Falkirk as a precaution.

“We felt he might be needed at some stage if things were going against us,” said the boss. “It would have been worth the gamble to bring him on, but there wasn’t a lot wrong with the guys who were on the park and fortunately we didn’t need him.

“The extra few days he’s had will give him the opportunity to return to action fully fit.”

Once again Jefferies paid tribute to the Killie fans who stayed behind their team and helped get them back into the match after falling a goal behind.

Said the gaffer: “I’m sure the fans appreciate the effort the players are putting in and that has been reflected with the support they’re giving us from the stands.”

Hamilton were at home to Falkirk on Wednesday and Motherwell took on Inverness CT at Fir Park.

This Saturday, Killie play Inverness at home, Falkirk entertain St Mirren and Hamilton face Motherwell at New Douglas Park in a Lanarkshire derby.

If results go Killie’s way, wins over St Mirren and Caley will cement the Rugby Park’s SPL place for next season.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s fixture, Jefferies said that his team are “due a win over them big time.”

The Highland side hold the upper hand over their Ayrshire rivals this season having defeated them in their three league fixtures and once in the Scottish Cup.

While a win on Saturday for Jefferies’ side wouldn’t quite redress the balance in the current campaign, it would be a win to savour.

Let’s do the business and ease the strain ahead of the league’s final fixture at Motherwell a week on Saturday.