Jefferies backs Killie to hit home form as Dons call

Published on Tuesday 13 January 2009 09:31

KILMARNOCK manager Jim Jefferies is confident his side can improve on their recent poor home form when Aberdeen visit Rugby Park tonight.

Killie have lost five of their previous six home games before this rearranged Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash.

But Jefferies believes they have grown in stature away from home in recent weeks, after their injury list decreased.

The thrilling 2-2 draw at Ayr on Saturday was the fourth consecutive game on the road that Killie have not lost.

Only an Allan Russell penalty miss and a last-minute equaliser from Alex Williams stopped them winning their first Ayrshire derby for 15 years.

Jefferies hopes to ease his injury concerns further, with playmaker Mehdi Taouil set to come back from a hamstring problem tonight.

The former Hearts manager attributed much of their recent failure at home to the absence of the Moroccan and winger Willie Gibson, who has recently returned from injury.

And he wants to boost his growing optimism by moving into the top six of the SPL with victory against the Dons.

"I think our performances have improved," said Jefferies. "Not that we were playing that badly – but when things go against you, you do take knocks in confidence.

"But I think it's starting to return – wins at Motherwell and Hibs and a good performance at Falkirk, particularly in the second half.

"On Saturday we went to a tricky place, and we should have won. But we hope we will take some confidence.

"There is not a lot between the teams and certainly there is not a lot between Kilmarnock and Aberdeen, so it will be another tight affair – and we hope to come out on top.

"We have a big incentive to even close the gap on them, but it would be nice to go into the replay (with Ayr] in the top six."