Critical Month For Kilmarnock

07 January 2012 10:59
The turn of the year presents Kilmarnock with challenges as they hope to make progress in the league, Scottish and League Cup competitions.

Kilmarnock's season could be made or broken this month according to  Manuel Pascali as they aim to impress on three fronts. Today sees Killie on the road to Dundee for the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, before taking on local rivals Ayr United in the semi-final of the Scottish Communities League Cup at the end of the month. Killie are just outside the SPL's top six thanks to goal difference and Pascali expects leagues games to be important over the coming weeks as they aim for a top six spot. However, the Ayrshire club's captain insists all the focus for now will be on the action at Dens Park and ensuring they beat Dundee this weekend and make it into Monday's fifth round draw. Pascali said: "We want to do well because we know the importance of this cup. It's a crucial month for us that could decide our future. We are ready to fight for this. This could be a seriously good season for us - but it could be a poor season as well. In my experience, the most important months are January and February. Our future could be decided this month. We have some good games in the SPL and the semi-final but we will focus on this match and aim for a good run in this cup too. We hope it will be a fantastic season - that's what we want for the club and the supporters." As far as Pascali is concerned, the clash with Irn-Bru First Division side Dundee will be just as difficult as a meeting with SPL opposition. He went on: "We are going to treat this game like an SPL match because we know they are a good side. Everybody knows that this game is not going to be easy. They are third in their league and they are going to be really up for this match. They are doing quite well in the First Division but we will go there with confidence after a good win against St Mirren on Monday." However, Pascali admits the loss of Dean Shiels this month would be a big blow for Kilmarnock. Shiels looks set to return to Doncaster Rovers when his loan spell ends on 16 January, with the Championship club looking unlikely to sanction an extension. Pascali said: "I don't know his situation. I spoke to him previously and he would like to stay here but he is not the owner of his future. I don't know what's going to happen but I hope he will stay for the rest of the season. If we lose him, it will be a big blow. You can see what he is capable of doing for us. Fortunately we have him available for Saturday's game so we are hoping for a good performance and then see what happens after that."

Source: FOOTYMAD