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.However, an away triumph would put Kilmarnock closer to the top half than the bottom and Jefferies is eager to keep looking up."We are being positive," he said. "Everything is so tight that half a dozen clubs can be involved in relegation or top six."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."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."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."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.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.But Jefferies revealed the player had forced his way back in after responding to his advice."Tim came in last season and looked like he was going to be a right good player," Jefferies said."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."We had a wee heart-to-heart chat because I didn't think his attitude was helping him get back."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."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."Clancy added: "It was frustrating watching games but the lads were doing well and you just have to be patient."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."My contract is up in the summer, so it was important to get back in."I have been working hard to get back in the team so it's up to me now to get myself a new contract."Meanwhile, 23-year-old New Zealand defender Steven Old is still training with the club.Jefferies said: "There is a lot to sort out with work permits and such like but he has impressed us."

Source: Team_Talk