Source: Team_Talk
Jefferies braced for crunch clash
Caley Thistle were clear favourites for the drop before Terry Butcher took over but they can move a point behind Killie in the SPL on Saturday.[LNB]However, an away triumph would put Kilmarnock closer to the top half than the bottom and Jefferies is eager to keep looking up.[LNB]"We are being positive," he said. "Everything is so tight that half a dozen clubs can be involved in relegation or top six.[LNB]"We feel that, with the wee gap we have got and with the games we have got coming up, if win on Saturday we are well capable of making a late push for a top-six place.[LNB]"If we don't then we know we are going to be involved, like other clubs, in a bit of a battle. We know it's a massive game for us.[LNB]"St Mirren and Falkirk don't play and their games in hand are against the Old Firm so it's a chance to put pressure on them."[LNB]The Killie manager is set to continue with Tim Clancy at right-back after the Irishman made a successful return to the team in the recent goalless draw at Aberdeen and late defeat to Celtic.[LNB]The 24-year-old was out for five months, including pre-season, after suffering an ankle injury last April and made only two appearances in the first half of the season.[LNB]But Jefferies revealed the player had forced his way back in after responding to his advice.[LNB]"Tim came in last season and looked like he was going to be a right good player," Jefferies said.[LNB]"He got a bad injury and we didn't help him because we put him at centre-half in the reserves when his best position is right-back.[LNB]"We had a wee heart-to-heart chat because I didn't think his attitude was helping him get back.[LNB]"He was maybe thinking he was out of things but I told him he was very much in my thoughts provided he showed the right application, and I would help him by playing him at right-back in the reserves.[LNB]"He has repaid me. He came in against two form wingers in (Aiden) McGeady and (Sone) Aluko and handled them great. I think he will turn out to be a good player for us."[LNB]Clancy added: "It was frustrating watching games but the lads were doing well and you just have to be patient.[LNB]"I've played a lot of reserve games and got my chance. It's good to get back in but I just hope I can contribute to us getting a few wins.[LNB]"My contract is up in the summer, so it was important to get back in.[LNB]"I have been working hard to get back in the team so it's up to me now to get myself a new contract."[LNB]Meanwhile, 23-year-old New Zealand defender Steven Old is still training with the club.[LNB]Jefferies said: "There is a lot to sort out with work permits and such like but he has impressed us."[LNB][LNB]
