TALKING KILLIE Clarke’s boys all Boydup for Dons
KILMARNOCK’S remarkable turnaround under Steve Clarke can be further enhanced tomorrow night if they can clinch a place in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.
And despite Kris Boyd’s protestations that Aberdeen are favourites to prevail in the quarter-final replay, it is a sign of Killie’s vast improvement that no one in Scottish football will be surprised if they win.
Saturday’s victory over struggling County has solidified fifth position, four points clear of Hearts and with a game in hand – and they are now unbeaten at Rugby Park in 10 matches.
However, the last team to beat them at home was Aberdeen on November 26 and Boyd knows their threat despite a four-game winless run.
The 34-year-old striker said: “We are confident and we are relishing the opportunity to get to Hampden, but I still think Aberdeen are favourites.
“They have been excellent over the past couple of years and we know we are in for a difficult game, but it’s certainly one we are looking forward to.
“We have a lot of momentum just now and we will look to carry that into two huge games this week – Aberdeen on Tuesday, followed by Ibrox next weekend.
“What I do know is that we are absolutely ready for any team coming to Rugby Park. Our results have shown that and we are a different team to what we were a few months ago.
“We know that we are only one game away from Hampden. But, at the same time, you’re also just one game away from going out the cup.
“I don’t think we will be focusing too much on the whole Hampden thing. We need to take care of the match itself and not get caught up in the things surrounding it.”
BOYD grabbed his 19th goal of the season after Lee Erwin had given Killie the lead and then Eamonn Brophy celebrated his 22nd birthday with a third goal.
However, sloppy Killie lost two goals in the last four minutes when Billy McKay and Alex Schalk netted but they managed to hold on to strengthen their position in the top half of the table.
Boyd added: “I wouldn’t say the top six is secured until it is mathematically certain, but we have definitely given ourselves a good chance. Our own form has been good and results elsewhere have also gone our way recently.
“The most important thing was winning the game to main- tain the momentum we have just now.
“That being said, we were a bit disappointed with the two late goals we conceded. The forward players have had a lot of credit over the past few months, but a clean sheet here would have topped it off to go with the three goals.
“So it would have been good to see it through to get a bit of recognition for Jamie MacDonald and the guys in defence.
“But it also shows you how far we have come that we are winning games, yet still feeling slightly disappointed at the end.”