Canning keen to close gap on form side Killie

Alan Power insists the Kilmarnock squad will not get too comfortable despite boss Steve Clarke admitting he will not be splashing out during the January sales.

Kilmarnock are unbeaten in their last five games and manager Clarke hinted his team’s current form is so good he may not have to make any additions when the transfer window reopens on Monday.

The threat of added competition has been lifted for now but Power, pictured, says he and his teammates realise they need to respond positively to the manager’s show of faith.

“It’s refreshing to hear the manager say that because the whole team has reacted brilliantly to his appointment,” said the Irishman.

“Now it’s not a case of worrying about whether he is going to change the whole squad around. It’s more now us realising we have a great opportunity here with a great manager leading us.”

If Clarke does have a rethink, Killie fans will hope his next signing can match the impact made by Youssouf Mulumbu. The former West Brom midfielder was a stand-out presence during Saturday’s win over Rangers. His display set the tone for a win which moved Clarke’s side into the top six just two months after he inherited a side bottom of the Premiership.

Hamilton boss Martin Canning is looking to close the gap with in-form Killie.

“I don’t think anybody is (safe),” he said. “I think it will be a tight league again.

“You can see how quickly it can change, we didn’t win at Partick and all of a sudden it’s just three (points different with Thistle).

“I think Kilmarnock are five ahead of us now, but if we win it’s down to just two and close again.

“I think it will be a tight league all the way through and it’s important for us that we react in the right manner and go again tomorrow.”