Stuart Findlay and Kilmarnock ready for ‘massive game’ at St Mirren

Stuart Findlay is banking on Kilmarnock’s travelling support as they go to Paisley for their crucial Premiership game against St Mirren on Saturday.

Killie are licking their wounds from the 4-1 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday which left them six points ahead of fifth-placed Saints with three fixtures remaining.

Derek McInnes’s side are guaranteed European football next season but Findlay wants to cement what would be a commendable fourth-place finish and he insists everyone involved with the Rugby Park club will be up for it.

The 28-year-old Scotland cap, on loan from Oxford, said: “We have had three massive games against St Mirren this season.

“It has been us and them and we have been very close to each other and so far we have come out on top with two wins in three games.

“We know if we perform against them we can try to get a positive result and from what I have heard, Kilmarnock have sold out the away end already so it is going to be a massive game for both teams and it is up to us to put Sunday right and try to cement that fourth position.”

Kilmarnock got off to an encouraging start on Sunday when Gers skipper James Tavernier scored an own goal after 12 minutes but Derek McInnes’s side were reduced to 10 men after defender Joe Wright was sent off for conceding a penalty with a handball.

Tavernier’s spot-kick was saved by Killie keeper Will Dennis but Gers attacker Fabio Silva levelled at the end of the first half before second-half substitute Ben Davies scored in the 62nd minute, with further goals from substitute Tom Lawrence and defender John Souttar.

Findlay said: “I think there were parts of the game that even with the 10 men, we know we have to do a bit better.

“When you go to Ibrox you have to defend one versus one situations a bit better.

“Obviously going down to 10 men doesn’t help matters but we did really well and then we lose a soft goal just before half-time which kills you a little bit.

“But I think the boys can be proud of the effort they put in. It is a hard place to come as it is, without going down to 10 men.

“It is tough one to take. It is the heaviest defeat we have had (this season) and it is a bit harsh on us but we have a really big game next week, a perfect one to bounce back and I am sure we will do that.”