Hamilton V Kilmarnock at New Douglas Park : Match Preview

29 April 2016 17:34
Hamilton V Kilmarnock - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Lee Clark determined Kilmarnock will beat Hamilton to avoid relegation play-off

Kilmarnock boss Lee Clark has urged his team not to let the fear factor destroy their Ladbrokes Premiership survival mission.

The Rugby Park men will be made to fight for their lives in the play-offs if they suffer defeat away to Hamilton on Saturday and Partick pick up at least a point at home to Inverness.

But Clark is refusing to contemplate that nerve-shredding scenario after bullishly insisting his team will prevail this weekend against Accies and keep their hopes alive for another week.

He said: "We will go there and win this weekend, so it means we won't be consigned to the play-offs.

"We have realised what is at stake for many, many weeks. Every game is a huge game and that's the way we approach it.

"You can't play to your abilities if you take too much pressure into the game so we have to stick to the game plan, play the game and go for the win."

Jamie MacDonald is suspended after being sent off in last week's 3-1 defeat at Inverness, meaning youngster Conor Brennan will deputise in goal.

Midfielder Craig Slater returns from illness and striker Josh Magennis could also feature if he can prove his fitness after an ankle injury.

Defenders Steven Smith, Mark Connolly (both hip) and David Syme (fractured leg) are out for the season but winger Chris Johnston (knee) is inching towards his return.

Clark said of the Caley Thistle game: "We had to pick all the boys up after the weekend. We had to pick everybody up - myself included.

"It was a game where we shot ourselves in the foot so of course Sunday evening and Monday morning was tough.

"We've had a good group meeting and said we can't affect the past, we can only affect the future. If we win on Saturday it puts a little bit of pressure on Hamilton. It will be down to four points with nine to play for."

Hamilton can guarantee their safety with a win and defender Lucas Tagliapietra praised manager Martin Canning for keeping faith in the team.

He said: "The manager has been great, he never changes and he passes that belief to us.

"The players have to take the responsibility as well. We are a team, if we lose, we lose together and if we win, we win together.

"The most important thing is he never changes with us, he always gives us that belief. We have been working hard and we knew things could turn.

"We all know we have been through difficult times but it could happen to any club and we know, as the league is tight, with any three points you can climb the table.

"We are completely focused on Saturday and we want to give the fans a good day."

Hamilton are optimistic both Eamonn Brophy and Jesus Garcia Tena will return but Darren Lyon (stomach) remains out while Alex D'Acol and Kemy Agustien are also struggling to overcome knocks.


Source: PAR