Killie 'in really good groove' for survival fight
Neil McCann says Kilmarnock are in a "really good groove" for the return to Premiership action after eliminating the fear factor in their survival battle. Killie head to Hibs on Saturday bidding to extend their winning streak after beating Hearts 1-0 and Livingston 2-0 before the international break to secure back-to-back league wins for only the second time this season. With seven fixtures remaining, Killie are in the relegation play-off spot behind St Mirren but only on goal difference, and three points behind Aberdeen, with Livi 12 points adrift.
McCann, who took charge in January amid a 14-game winless run, knows his side can't let up as they strive for safety. He said: "I'm aware of it, clearly, I have to be aware of it, but just looking at where we are now, I think we're just in a really good groove in terms of how we're feeling about ourselves and the way we want to play. "We'll probably have another wee meeting today actually, just in fine-tuning because I still think we can get much better.
"But I think we've found a good place where we're defensively structured but still retaining a real good threat. I'm hoping that the fans are enjoying what they're seeing just now. "I think where we are right now is that we always wanted to make sure we're in the fight here.
"I think the biggest thing for me coming in here with Billy [Dodds, assistant] was to eliminate the fear that maybe was existing. "Fear is maybe the wrong word, apprehension may be a better word to use, and just let the boys get back to enjoying their football, being brave because being brave is going to get results and we've started that but we've got so much work to do. "We're nowhere near where we want to be and Saturday is just going to be another example of how hard it's going to be for us this season.
" [BBC]