ALESSIO’S OUT TO TURN SCREW

ANGELO ALESSIO says his Rugby Park rehabilitation will not be complete unless he seals a semi-final spot.

The Kilmarnock boss believes a win over Hibs tonight would provide a pivotal moment in the progress of a club hit by early-season disharmony.

A Europa League exit to Connah’s Quay Nomads and rumours of dressingroom discontent have given way to an upturn.

Only defeat at Celtic on Sunday ended a four-game unbeaten run featuring back-to-back wins that offered a sign of his impact.

But the 54-year-old insists piling more misery on under-pressure dugout rival Paul Heckingbottom is the priority.

He said: “It’s important for everyone here, not only for me. It would be a great result for the club, for the team and for the fans. It’s important for everyone.

“The team has improved but we need to work hard every day as we’ve improved in some situations and we are building our season.

“That’s why this game is an important step for us and I ask the players for 100 per cent energy to take us into the next round. We are confident but we play game by game and Hibs is another tough game.

“Our focus is to play well and if we play well then we deserve to get into the next round. It’s important for us now to go another step. This is a good match but we know it would be great for everyone here.”

It marks a dramatic role reversal for Alessio to be asked what advice he’d give Heckingbottom as he tries to steer Hibs through their crisis. But the Italian insists taking the flak is part and parcel of the job.

He said: “The pressure for me and for him is there and at the moment the situation for him is bad.

“But at the same time I want to win and for this reason my focus is on my team. It’s normal when there are bad results, it’s the same in other countries.

“Scottish football is the same, I don’t believe it’s only in Scotland this happens.

“I don’t read the papers. No, because I know what to do and my job and focus is only to work and try to improve my team.

“This is what’s important for me but I know the beginning was difficult for many reasons.

“The manager always thinks of the team and to try to find the best solution for the team.

“To try to add the points to the board and win in the cup. That’s normal.

“It depends where you work. In some places there is a lot of expectation and the club have bought a lot of good players so there are consequences to results.

“It is then very difficult for the manager but this is our job and we have experience in this.

“The manager is saved only by the results. Good results then it’s okay but otherwise….”

Osman Sow came on at Parkhead for his second Killie appearance and is desperate to use his loan from Dundee United to get back to his scoring best.

The ex-Hearts striker said: “If I was to score against Hibs it would be nice because it would be my first goal for the club.”