Isolating was tough but we’re right back on song
Burke: I was so happy going to Killie training again I sang in car
CHRIS BURKE believes the joy his Kilmarnock team-mates felt after being let loose from lockdown can give them the edge to see off Livingston.
The entire Rugby Park first-team squad was forced to isolate for a fortnight after six Covid cases.
And although Burke – who tested negative – was able to come back for the midweek Betfred Cup clash with Dunfermline, today is the first time manager Alex Dyer has a full quota to choose from.
The former Scotland wideman is adamant that being released from lockdown has rejuvenated the Killie squad as they go for their third league win in a row.
Burke said: “Self-isolating was hard, I’m not going to lie. It was very difficult to maintain our fitness but from a mental point of view it was tough for me..
“I don’t wish it upon my worst enemy. It’s horrible.
“I’m happy I’m out now and back with the group. I got to play in the match on Tuesday and I’m available for selection for the match.
“The only issue I’ve got is I was a negative, so I could possibly have to do that all over again.
“We all did lockdown for however many weeks and months at the beginning but this time was worse. It was mentally tough.
“It was fantastic to get back training, it was great. I was in the car singing and everything when I was on the way to the training field.
“It’s great to be back. The whole group has been in great spirits. It’s like you’ve been given a present at Christmas, you still believe in Santa and go downstairs and see it all.
“Everyone was happy and cheerful the first time we all met each other again and were on the training field.
“The mood is very high, which is great to see, and I knew it would be with the squad we’ve got.”
Killie asked for today’s match to be postponed, even by a few days, to give their players time to get back into their training regime.
But Burke and manager Dyer have no issue with Livingston rejecting their proposal.
Asked if that knock back will provide extra motivation, Burke said: “You should have motivation to win a football match anyway.
“The best respect I can show Livingston is to listen to the manager’s tactics and apply it in the game. If
Livingston didn’t want to change then game then so be it.”
Dyer agreed, saying: “That’s gone now and we have to move on. We’ve got a game and we’ll focus on that.
“There’s no bitterness, it’s nothing personal. We asked the question, it was answered and then we get on with it.
“All of them are chomping at the bit to play. They missed training, they missed the environment we’ve created, it’s a good place to work, they want to play football.
“That’s why sometimes you have to say hold on a minute, calm down because if you run too hard and too quick you’ll blow up.
“So we have to manage ourselves and do the right things to prepare for the game.
“Our league form’s been good. It came at a bad time because they were playing well.
“It’s going to be a big ask as they have been off but they’re a fit bunch and I know they’ve looked after themselves and we’re ready to go.”