Killie boss Clarke not taking Europe talk seriously

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2018 by PA

Steve Clarke played down Kilmarnock’s chances of qualifying for Europe after a 2-1 win over Hamilton extended their winning run to six games.

Kris Boyd sealed the victory to move Killie to within four points of fourth-placed Hibernian and a possible European place, after Accies substitute David Templeton had cancelled out Kirk Broadfoot’s opener.

It has been a remarkable turn around in fortunes for the club which found themselves bottom of the table before Clarke was appointed in October.

However, the boss calmed talk of playing in Europe next season.

He said: “You can’t get too far ahead of yourself. It’s disrespectful to Motherwel. They have just reached the (William Hill Scottish) Cup final so if they win that – which they can do – it doesn’t come down to fourth in the league.

“There is a nine-point gap to Hearts. We have to make that gap insurmountable as soon as possible to secure fifth. If we secure fifth, then have a chance at fourth and then we will think about that.

“We’re delighted to get the three points and keep the little run going. It is a difficult place to come you saw that with Celtic last week.

“It was a great response to a goal which came out of nowhere.”

Hamilton boss Martin Canning was left to rue Boyd’s goal, which came just six minutes after his side had got back on level terms.

He said: “They are such a strange team. They have been great and done great, but there is nothing much in the games when we play them or when I see them, but they have got that belief and momentum to win games.

“We think we’re back in it at 1-1, then we leave Kris Boyd in the box by himself, which is criminal and that’s why we are where we are.”