O’Donnell thinks new boss helped Killie turn a corner

Stephen O’Donnell believes Steve Clarke’s arrival has helped cure Kilmarnock’s early-season “disease”.

The Rugby Park full-back admits his side had found it almost impossible to hold on to results until Clarke’s appointment.

O’Donnell thinks the former West Brom and Reading boss has presented the team with the perfect antidote, with Killie having taken 12 points from their last eight games compared to just three from their opening eight.

Killie can move seven points clear of Alan Archibald’s basement boys, but O’Donnell has backed his former boss to drag the Jags away from danger – if the Firhill board give him time, like they did last term.

Youssouf Mulumbu joins the Kilmarnock squad for the first time at Rugby Park today.

The former West Brom player joined Killie last month but had work to do on his fitness before he could be considered by Clarke.

Youngster Greg Kiltie stepped up his recovery from a long-term ankle injury with another run-out for the club’s U20s this week but is not yet ready for a first-team return.

Iain Wilson (knee) and Steven Smith (back) remain out, but Jordan Jones returns from suspension.

Meanwhile, Martin Woods is closer to a first start for Partick Thistle.

The former Ross County midfielder has trained all week after recovering from an ankle knock which meant he only made the bench last weekend.

Stuart Bannigan, Callum Booth, Mustapha Dumbuya (all knee), Christie Elliott (ankle) and Abdul Osman (shoulder) are still out.