(Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Kilmarnock manager Tommy Wright says 26 goals in 10 games gives him hope his team can secure their Scottish Premiership status against Dundee.
The Rugby Park club will face the Dens Park side twice over the next week to determine who plays in the top flight next season. Kilmarnock won 2-0 on the final day against Hamilton but Ross County’s win over Motherwell means they face a play-off, Dundee beating Raith Rovers to set up the tie.
Wright’s side face a play-off. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Wright says the team know what needs to happen: “Who kept me up to date with the other game? Me, myself. Never rely on anyone else, do it yourself! The players didn’t know what was going on. We didn’t even tell them at half-time that they were losing, because they didn’t want to know. They were just focused on winning our game.
“Half-time was good. If the ref had blown his whistle at Fir Park then, that would have been ideal. But when it got to 1-1 at Fir Park I decided to make some changes and rest some legs before Thursday. It’s disappointing to be in the play-offs, but but we knew the situation before we went into the game.
“Yes, they were a bit disappointed in the dressing room but, five or ten minutes afterwards, the focus moved to the job they have to do against Dundee. It’s one defeat in nine now and we look as if we’re a real goal threat so, over two legs, we’ll have confidence. I think it’s 26 goals in our last ten games.
Pinnock netted twice for Kilmarnock against Hamilton. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“Mitch Pinnock is someone who wasn’t in the team when I arrived, but he had a good attitude and quality. I’d seen footage of him and he always seemed to nick goals. We’ve been really pleased with him since we’ve been here. Kyle Lafferty has been getting a lot of the headlines for the goals he’s scored.
“But we’ve shared them around and a lot of the boys deserve credit for their contribution. I watched Dundee on Saturday night and we saw them against Dunfermline earlier in the season as well as having scouting reports on them. Everything is sitting ready to go, though it’s one of those files on your computer you’d rather you didn’t have to open!”
NTOF now offers a YouTube channel featuring exclusive interviews, post-match discussion, in-depth debate, and much more – LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and don’t miss any of our videos.