Hay confident Killie can triumph
Garry Hay is confident he and his Kilmarnock team-mates will cope with expectations as they look to book their top-six place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Killie could have effectively secured their berth against St Mirren at Rugby Park on Wednesday but were held to a 1-1 draw, and now must beat Dundee at home to guarantee staying in the top half when the league splits on Saturday evening.
However, Hay believes the demands of Saturday's game are incomparable to the tension they came through on the final day of the 2009/10 season, when they got the point they needed against Falkirk to stay up.
The left-sided player said: "There is a lot at stake but the club survived a relegation battle a few years ago.
"There's pressure but there is no real pressure. We will just go out and do our best and that's all we can do.
"With regards to the young boys feeling the pressure, they don't to be honest. They are young and confident and level-headed. They will just concentrate on their game, I'm sure of that.
"Obviously the likes of James Fowler and myself and even big Manuel (Pascali) - who is not going to be playing but will be in the dressing room - I think our experience will help. And you have guys like Paul Heffernan and Kris Boyd who have been over the course before.
"We will go out and give it our utmost best and hopefully that will be enough."
Kilmarnock have a fitness doubt over forward Rory McKenzie
Rory McKeown has gone for a scan on his knee injury and will still be missing for the Rugby Park clash.
Dundee interim manager John Brown insists relegation will not enter their thoughts going into Saturday's match.
The Dark Blues, who are 14 points adrift at the foot of the SPL, could go back down to the First Division if they lose and results elsewhere do not go in their favour.
Brown, though, does not want any negative thoughts to enter his players' heads against Kenny Shiels' men - regardless of last week's 3-0 home defeat by Motherwell.
Brown said: "We have to think positive. There is nothing else for it in our position.
"There is no point thinking of certain things which might happen because that won't help. We all know it's a big ask but that won't stop us from trying.
"We're looking forward to the game and want to get the three points. Our players have worked hard all week and want to bounce back from the disappointment of losing at home to Motherwell last weekend."
Brown was disappointed with his central defence in the Well defeat and does not want to see them repeat their costly mistakes.
He said: "It was two lapses in concentration from the two central defenders for their first two goals. They were killers from our point of view.
"You would expect your centre-half to be closer to their man. We let ourselves down defensively from a lack of basic centre-half dominance. I've spoken to them and told them what's required."
Dundee defender Gary Irvine is serving the second game of his two-match ban following his red card in the 1-1 derby draw with Dundee United.
Stephen O'Donnell (knee) and Jamie McCluskey (Achilles) are still out while keeper Rab Douglas is carrying a thigh injury.
Source: PA
