Killie eager to get back on top and prove Celtic was a ‘blip’

Assistant manager Alex Dyer is looking for Kilmarnock to recover from the “blip” of last week’s hammering at Celtic Park when Dundee visit this afternoon.

The Ayrshire side travelled to Parkhead one point clear at the top of the Premiership but were thumped 5-1 by Brendan Rodgers’ men. Celtic regained top spot, with Steve Clarke’s side dropping to third behind Rangers on goal difference.

Kilmarnock, though, have the chance to go top again tonight, with Celtic and Rangers not in action until tomorrow.

Dyer insists Killie will recover by “working hard” as they always do following a setback although he acknowledged Dundee’s form under Jim Mcintyre, with the Taysiders unbeaten in four games.

“Every time we have had a bad result we have always come back strong,” said Dyer. “We will continue doing what we do. Last week was a blip. We came up against a very good side. We are a good side ourselves and hopefully we will put it right tomorrow.

“Jim has done a good job. They are a solid unit now and we know it is going to be tough, there is no doubt about it but we are ready for it.”

Clarke contended fatigue was a factor in the defeat at Parkhead and Dyer, pictured, believes Killie will “definitely” be better for having a free midweek. After hosting Dundee today, Killie play other bottomsix sides Hamilton, Motherwell and St Mirren before the end of the year.

Dyer said: “This week we have cleared ourselves, we have got over a few knocks and scrapes and we can go in there nice and fresh.

“On paper you think maybe it is games that we should win but we all know they are going to be tough games. But we are ready, hopefully we can put some points on the board and finish the year well.”

Dundee midfielder Jesse Curran admits Dens Park is a more joyful place after their recent run, which has taken them off the bottom of the table on goal difference.

Curran feels hard work has been the main ingredient to their improvement as Mcintyre beds himself in following Neil Mccann’s departure.

“We are four now unbeaten and if we take that into Kilmarnock I feel we will do well,” said the Australian.

“You can tell everyone’s a lot more joyful and happier in the club. Obviously we still have a lot of work to do, we are not there yet.

“If we keep this run going and hopefully get further up the table, it will be more joyful.

“It’s just hard work and people coming together. There’s a different face and a different atmosphere as well.”