Killie tougher to crack for Motherwell than last term

Oct 16 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

MOTHERWELL boss Mark McGhee has warned his side not to judge Kilmarnock on last season’s performances.

Kilmarnock might have been sucked into a relegation dogfight had it not been for Gretna’s demise, but McGhee expects more from Jim Jefferies’ side this term.

Last term, Motherwell took six points from nine and felt they had been robbed in a 2-1 early-season defeat by Killie, but McGhee doesn’t expect an easy time of it at Rugby Park this Saturday.

He said: “I think last season they had a disappointing year by their standards, as they have always been at the other end of the table.

“They’re more aggressive and in your face in terms of stepping up and closing down, and working harder than they did last year.

“I think we can expect a more difficult game than we got last year at times.

“Jim Jefferies has shown again what he is made of by getting a couple of players in and stepping it up again this season.

“He’s a very experienced manager and knows the SPL inside out, as well as the opposition inside out, and is always a difficult opponent to come up against.”

The current SPL table means that a win on Saturday could propel Motherwell into third spot, and McGhee hopes to be looking down on the rest as he bids to re-establish his side in the top-six.

He said: “One or two who were in the top six last season already look as though they will be there again.”

Motherwell have doubts over captain Stephen Craigan, after a pelvic injury kept him out of Northern Ireland’s two World Cup qualifying fixtures this week.

Stephen Hughes has shaken off a leg knock and David Clarkson has reported back unscathed after being an unused sub in Scotland’s 0-0 draw against Norway on Saturday.

Long-term injury victim Brian McLean has started rehabilitation work after recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury, but isn’t expected back until the new year.