Alan expects Killie to Power through again
Alan Power is hoping‘little old Kilmarnock’ will continue to be underestimated this season, despite last term’s heroics.
The Ayrshire side began life after Steve Clarke with a hard-fought 2-1 midweek win in Wales in the Europa League under new manager Angelo Alessio.
It could have been a very different result after Killie had trailed to Connah’s Quay Nomads, but they are now in a commanding position ahead ofthursday’s return leg at Rugby Park, with a juicy tie against Partizan Belgrade awaiting them.
Last season, Killie finished above the likes of Aberdeen, Hibs and Hearts.
And tireless Irish midfielder Power is hoping for a similar season.
He said: “I still think we are going to be underestimated, always. I like that.
“I don’t want anyone talking about us, or how well we did last year. I still want people to think we are little old Kilmarnock.
“Technically and tactically, the new manager has his own ideas, which he is implementing. And we have to learn them.
“Thursday was only our third game since coming back so we are still learning.
“We are trying to move the ball a bit more than last year probably, and we have to learn to play that method.
“It’s pretty much the same group of lads as last year, and we were in those situations last year when we went a goal down.
“We showed our resilience to get back in the game in Wales. It was great to see we still had that in us.
“We didn’t drop our heads. We got back into the game straight away and then kicked on from there.
“The stadium and the pitch reminded me of my English Conference football days!
“But it’s not job done for us. They will come to Rugby Park and it will be like a Cup Final for them, playing at a big ground, with nothing to fear.
“We have to be sure we go about our business in the right way.”
Killie’s success last season brought with it the unwelcome attention of other clubs for their players.
But that’s come as no surprise to Power. He said: “They’ve earned all the plaudits they are getting, all the speculation. Whatever happens, happens.
“But at the same time, we were a team last year, it wasn’t down to two or three players.
“And we will all punch through together, hopefully with the same boys as well.”