After Ibrox win, Kilmarnock look for Tannadice follow-up

As well as impressive results against the Scottish champions, Kilmarnock have also earned a draw against SPL leaders Celtic and taken five points out of nine against Hearts this term. But, with a single point keeping Kilmarnock ahead of United in sixth spot for now, Kelly believes victory this evening is vital.

He said: “I think inconsistency has been our problem this season. We have been getting results against teams like Hearts, Celtic and Rangers and taking points off them. Our downfall has been playing teams around us, we’ve not been taking the points from them as we should have. If we had been doing that, and managed to show more consistency in our play, we would be in a better position in the league.

“It’s down to the players to make sure on Tuesday night that we do start showing consistency for the rest of the season and apply ourselves, because we do know how well we can play but we’ve got to do that every week, not just against the big teams.” Confidence is high in the Kilmarnock camp after Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Ibrox against a Rangers side who were forced to call in the administrators last week and whose fans turned out in force for the match. Midfielder Kelly added: “All the emphasis was on Rangers, but the manager was fantastic with us, just nailing that we had to go out there and perform the way we knew we could perform.

“With the fans, the atmosphere was intense and we knew Rangers would try to get an early lead and stretch the lead, but we executed our game-plan really well and it was massively pleasing. It was a great game to play in. The atmosphere was fantastic and there was a massive crowd there.

“It’s a massive three points for us because it puts us in the top six and gives us a great chance going into Tuesday night’s game.”

Manager Kenny Shiels believes his side must now build on the win against Rangers. He said: “We had good energy about us and we are playing well and I feel we have substantiated that now and we are in a position to go to Dundee United with more confidence.”

Dundee United fought out a drab goalless draw with St Mirren last weekend but manager Peter Houston predicts a much livelier encounter against Kilmarnock. “It wasn’t the best of games at the weekend. The pitch wasn’t great but I hate making excuses,” he said. “We just needed a wee bit more quality but I was still pleased with the boys’ work-rate and we will need that again against Killie.

“They are coming into the game on the back of a very good result at Ibrox so will be full of confidence. I spoke to Kenny Shiels when I met him at Easter Road on Sunday. He was very happy with his team’s performance in beating Rangers at the weekend. We have always had good games with Killie in the past. This will also be tough as they are an attack-minded side who like to get the ball down and play.”

United defender Garry Kenneth is likely to miss out again with a groin strain, while Danny Swanson is also out.