Source: Team_Talk
Skelton reading nothing into chance
The former Gretna player arrived at Rugby Park last summer in the wake of the clearout at the now defunct borders club but has yet to enjoy an extended run in the Killie side.[LNB]Ironically, Skelton is certain to start against Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday as Jefferies tries to cobble together a squad amidst a lengthy list of absentees through injury and suspension.[LNB]The Englishman, 27, said he is still adapting to life in the SPL but has stopped tying himself in knots trying to assess the mood of Jefferies in the days leading up to games.[LNB]"When I was at Gretna, I could have a couple of off-games and I would get a bit of leeway," he said.[LNB]"But coming to a new club with a management that doesn't know you as well, it's harder to get a run in the side.[LNB]"After playing week-in, week-out there, now I'm not sure if I'm playing or not.[LNB]"At Gretna, if I had a little knock, I would just get through training.[LNB]"But here, even if you are carrying something, you have to push yourself to try and get in the team, but that has got my hunger back.[LNB]"I cope with it better than I used to.[LNB]"I used to think all week from the Monday, 'How has the manager been with me today?'[LNB]"I don't know if it is experience or age but I try not to think like that because it has a negative effect on you.[LNB]"You go home and think about it all the time.[LNB]"So I don't really do that now."[LNB]Killie have not won at home in the SPL since beating Dundee United 2-0 in November and are without a league victory this year.[LNB]However, despite being in ninth place, they are only two points behind Motherwell and Hamilton and one point behind Saturday's opponents.[LNB]Skelton admits the prospect of relegation battle is at the back of his mind but insists he is more focused on the drive for a top-six place.[LNB]"I would be lying if I said I didn't look down the table," he said.[LNB]"But you do look up the table more.[LNB]"We have been on a bad run recently but a top-six place is realistic.[LNB]"We are only four points off sixth place and a couple of points behind Hamilton and Motherwell.[LNB]"It's just the little breaks that make the difference.[LNB]"Look at Hamilton: they were really struggling then they put some wins together; Dundee United had a bad start; and Motherwell were struggling before they had a few good results.[LNB]"If we can just get a result or two and get a bit of momentum, and start believing more, then we can kick on.[LNB]"Apart from the Hamilton game, we have deserved to take points at home.[LNB]"So we are just looking for a break."[LNB][LNB]
