Marked progress required by Killie

Manager Lee Clark has told his Kilmarnock players to put the harsh lessons learned from their punishing defeat by Celtic into practice against Aberdeen.

The Ayrshire side were demolished 6-1 by the Premiership leaders last week and now face the secondplaced Dons.

Second-bottom Killie’s quest for their first win in six games continues against an in-form Dons team whose 2-1 win against Rangers last week was their third victory on the trot, and manager Clark is hoping his players are better equipped for the task.

“The good thing about last week was it shows us what we have to do better when we come up against the leading teams,” he said.

“We have to be more aggressive and play higher up the pitch. When I say aggressive, I mean in our pressing game.

“We showed a little bit too much respect for Celtic even though, on Wednesday against Manchester City, they went on to show what a good team they are now under Brendan Rodgers.

“I have been impressed by Aberdeen. I was impressed with Derek McInnes and the work he did last year.

“I had one game against them in the latter part of the season, he has made some good signings and already had some big players.

“It has been a big week for them with the three games they had in various competitions and they showed up in all aspects.

“They have shown good football and ability to be aggressive and match teams, so we know it is going to be a tough match for us.”

Lee Clark