Wright: Kilmarnock go into the play-off with confidence

Kilmarnock boss Tommy Wright revealed his disappointment at the club’s relegation play-off position but says his team are showing good form ahead of the clash with Dundee.

Wright’s side won 2-0 at Hamilton on the final day of the Premiership season but Ross County’s victory at Motherwell meant that Kilmarnock finished 11th and play Dundee over two legs with their top flight status at stake.

With the first leg to be played on Thursday, the Kilmarnock manager said his players didn’t spend long liking their wounds before turning their attention to the challenge ahead. He believes that recent performances mean that they can travel to Dens Park without fear.

“The players were a little bit disappointed in the dressing room but five or 10 minutes after that they were already focusing on what we have to do against Dundee,” he said.

“I am pleased that we are going into the game in the run of form we are in.

“I think it is one defeat in nine or 10 games over 90 minutes and they look as if they are a real goal threat.

“I think it is also 26 goals over 10 games and it should have been more today so over two legs, we go in with confidence based on the performances I’ve had recently.”

Hamilton’s relegation had been all but confirmed last week with their loss to Ross County but final day defeat rubber-stamped their exit for the Championship. Manager Brian Rice said that the raw feeling had to be a motivation for his players to take into next season and help them mount a promotion challenge.

“It is disappointing for everybody connected to the club, every player, coach, owners, supporters,” Rice said.

“But we have to use that as a tool to remember to spur us on and that is what we will do.

“There is no time for looking back, or regrets or excuses, so we need to start looking forward.

“I will go away with the positives, seeing so many of the young players’ performances today.

“I thought some of them were outstanding. I was proud of them. I’m just disappointed we lost the match.”