Second-bottom Kilmarnock edged a point closer to St Mirren - and safety - in the Scottish Premiership, but only after surviving an agonising wait and a stoppage-time Dundee penalty award at Rugby Park.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock manager Neil McCann spoke to BBC Scotland following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Dundee, which ended with the visitors missing a penalty deep into added time after a lengthy VAR delay.
Jamie Brandon was penalised for a challenge on Scott Wright and Joe Westley's spot-kick was saved by Killie goalkeeper Kelle Roos.
"It was chaos," McCann said. "It's a ridiculous situation when the referee's got to come over and he's got to judge whether that's offside or not. I think it was offside. I don't think it's a penalty either. It's so soft. There's a wee bit of contact but this is a contact sport, he's clearly not going to get on the ball. Kelle makes a good save.
"We were told that they couldn't calibrate the machine and they couldn't get the lines in and then they've had to support the on-field decision.
"I'm standing here probably a bit disappointed we've not got three points from the game. You're looking at a game that we probably deserve three points, I feel certainly, that we could've got nothing. In hindsight, maybe tomorrow it might look like a good point.
"We just didn't take a couple of chances that came our way but I can't have any complaints in how we approached the game. I thought the boys were brilliant. They were brave, loads of courage, worked their socks off."
Image source, SNSKilmarnock forward Marley Watkins will be assessed.
But Tyreece John-Jules, Djenairo Daniels and Matty Kennedy remain out.
Dundee are without suspended defender Ryan Astley, while winger Tony Yogane is doubtful with an Achilles strain and centre-half Clark Robertson remains out.
Image source, SNSFormer Kilmarnock forward Cillian Sheridan says a Killie win on Saturday will drag back Dundee into the relegation play-off fight.
Neil McCann's side saw a slight upturn in form before the international break - winning back-to-back games for the first time all season, however, their 3-0 loss to Hibs last weekend still has Killie in the play-off spot.
Sheridan is expecting a four-horse race for safety as Killie welcome Dundee to Rugby Park tomorrow afternoon.
"If Kilmarnock can go and win, and get three points, it drags Dundee really into it." he told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast.
"I feel like Dundee are well and truly in a fight with all those teams. And it's sets up a great fixture for going into their post-split fixtures.
"I know all the chat has been about the top six, the way it's kind of worked out, it's set up for a real good build-up into that for the bottom six, which usually gets overshadowed by the top-six fixtures.
"So I'm just looking forward to see how all that plays out. I don't think we really would have anticipated so many teams competing for 11th place."
Hibernian Women's coach Joelle Murray also weighed in on the debate, believing Killie's improved defence may prove key in Saturday's battle.
"They're making Rugby Park a fortress now, making it a difficult place to go", she said.
"I think at the back end of the pitch they're not conceding as much as they have been. It'll be a very, very interesting game.
"Three points for Kilmarnock will put them right back on the coattails of the teams above them.
"It won't be an easy game, Dundee are turning things around under Steven Presley, picking up form at the most important point of the season."
Image source, SNSKilmarnock's Scottish Premiership games this season have seen more goals than any other side's (98 - 35 for, 63 against). Killie last saw 100+ goals in their matches at the split after 33 games in the top-flight in 2005-06 (115 - 59 for, 56 against).
Dundee have lost both of their last two league matches; only once this season have they endured a longer losing streak, losing four in a row from October to November.
Kilmarnock have won four of their last five home league games (L1), including both of their last two without conceding. Killie last won and kept a clean sheet in three successive home league matches in January 2025.
After their 2-1 win in December, Dundee could enjoy back-to-back Scottish Premiership victories over Kilmarnock for the first time since August 2015 (three in a row).
Kilmarnock have avoided defeat in each of their last seven Scottish Premiership home games against Dundee (W3 D4) since a 0-1 reverse in May 2017.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock boss Neil McCann has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to welcome Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
Here are the main points:
McCann insists he's "not looking" at pulling other teams into a relegation battle and is more interested in ensuring his side climb the table.
The Killie boss says his side "need to arrest disappointing form away from home" but has been pleased with their performances at Rugby Park.
The visit of Dundee is a "great opportunity" to rectify the mistakes they made against Hibs last weekend but McCann stresses "this is a completely different set of circumstances".
Looking ahead to the split, the former Dundee boss insists: "I've been involved in the split before, it doesn't worry me. I don't get sleepless nights about what's ahead."
Fighting in the bottom six, the 50-year-old knows "it's absolutely dog eat dog, no matter where you are, but it's a wonderful opportunity to go against teams that are right there".
McCann admits "there's always going to be a bit of baggage from before" but stresses "it's really important you learn from your mistakes".
On whether his side can avoid a relegation play-off, McCann says: "I'm bullish to say that I'm completely confident in what I've got sitting in that dressing room that they're absolutely capable of having a strong finish to the season."
McCann insists "you get nothing with fear" and is urging his side to "be brave" while admitting: "That has to come from the coaching staff, we can't just send them out with shackles on and worrying about the 'what ifs'."
Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSWhen the full-time whistle goes at Rugby Park on Saturday against Dundee, win, lose, or draw Killie will still be in a relegation scrap.
Their fears may have been slightly allayed, or their predicament may be even trickier than it already is.
Regardless, they will have to face their greatest fear three times over in the post-split games - an away fixture.
Killie's away record, for a few seasons now, has been charitably abject.
They have won just twice on their travels this season, against Brora in the League Cup in July and against Dundee United in late September.
The post-split hand that they've been dealt has not been kind, away to Aberdeen and St Mirren, either side of United at home, before Dundee at Rugby Park and a final-day trip to Livingston.
They can take some solace in winning four of their past five home games, only losing out to a late Celtic strike, and will back themselves to continue that trend against relegation rivals Dundee this Saturday.
Since mid-December, the Ayrshire side have been in the dreaded relegation play-off spot and rarely threatened the sides above them.
If they are to escape another anxious double-header against a tricky Championship side, you would reckon at least one away win is necessary.
Killie fans always show up well for away games and the punters in the stands will be crossing their fingers that the players do too after the split.
Sandy Armour
Fan writer
It is often a rollercoaster ride being a Killie fan, and that has been perfectly demonstrated in the last few weeks.
We had two excellent home wins without conceding a goal, then at Easter Road on Saturday, the hosts scored before I could get the foil off my third steak pie.
The game was effectively over in the opening fifteen minutes, and although the final scoreline flattered Hibs, they probably coasted a bit after that flying start.
Our away record over the past few years is horrific, and changing managers appears to have no effect on our form away from the Theatre of Pies.
We face Dundee at home this week in what is an absolutely massive game, and season ticket holders are allowed to bring a friend for free.
I'd urge every single fan to ensure this is taken up, as we need a bumper crowd to create a special atmosphere.
A win here is a must if we want to avoid the dreaded play-off.
I'll go for Killie to edge it in a five-goal thriller.
Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine
Watch all the highlights as Hibs score three past Kilmarnock.
We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's 3-0 defeat by Hibernian on Saturday.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Jim: Same old problems. Losing soft goals and don't have the front men that can score on a regular basis. Liam Polworth and Brad Lyons are poor. David Watson is not interested, Marley Watkins can't score, Bruce Anderson can't score. Formation should have been changed as soon as the second goal went in.
Iain: Seems as if the players are thinking it's OK, we will get through the play-offs so these games don't matter. Do enough to show they are willing but not put in 100%. Are they really willing to risk the play offs?
Robert: Defensive failure once again down to mental weakness, then the inability to score, keep this up and it's the play-off.
John: Back to old Killie, all positive thoughts knocked out of us, we will just need to play in play-off final. Hope it's Partick Thistle and not Dunfermline.
Bill: Back to costly defensive lapses; toothless in attack; lost more than half our matches; won only one match in five; huge goal deficit! It's clear this squad is not fit for the Premiership. Board needs to recognise this and install an appropriate management team and with them recruit a squad with Premiership quality, though it looks more and more that we will spend next year, at least, in the Championship.
Image source, SNSOwen Elding's goal after just 13 seconds helped Hibernian ease to victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership and strengthen their push for European football.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "It was just the worst possible start you could have coming here. We stabilised, but losing such an early goal rocked us, spooked us, and lifted Hibs.
"We were a wee bit rattled and that's when you're looking for a wee bit of leadership to settle things down. After that initial period, we were the better side throughout the match.
"The start kills us, and they score right at the death to compound the misery. But we probably didn't deserve anything from the game because of our quality.
"When we got into the right areas, we didn't have any quality in the final third and that's what makes the final difference.
"I don't care about results elsewhere. I'm more focused on our result, that's the most important thing. We'll look to bounce back.
"Starting a game like that is not acceptable, let the fans down today, and ourselves."
Image source, SNSHibernian hope to have Rocky Bushiri involved after a delayed return from qualifying for the World Cup with DR Congo in Mexico.
Felix Passlack, Miguel Chaiwa and Owen Elding have shaken off knocks, but Rudi Molotnikov and Josh Mulligan (both ankle) are unavailable.
Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann has no new injury concerns. Tyreece John-Jules (quad), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) remain out.
Samuel Ukah
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSRobbie Deas says Kilmarnock players "needed a telling off" to help turn around their form this season.
Killie travel to face Hibs on Saturday with the chance to exit the relegation play-off spot following their back-to-back wins over Livingston and table-toppers Hearts before the international break.
Defender Deas attributes Neil McCann's appointment as a key reason for the club's recent upturn.
"We needed a telling off as well. It's not been good enough," he said.
"I was lucky enough to work with the gaffer and both Doddsy [Billy Dodds, assistant] before in the past. They know what I was like as a player and they spoke to me in detail.
"He's restored a lot of belief in the boys. A lot of confidence was lost, especially in that run that we went on.
"I think you can feel that around the place on a Saturday when the game is finished, against Hearts and against Livingston. There's a lot of big lift about the place and that's down to the players, down to the staff and the coaching team."
Killie are 11th - level on points with St Mirren and three behind Aberdeen, with the pair facing off against each other this weekend. However, the defender is only concentrating on his own side.
"It's completely focused on us and who we're playing and that's this Saturday against Hibs," he said.
"It's Scottish football for you, it's difficult. There's no point in worrying about other results, it's only in our hands.
"We've got ourselves in a situation that's not good and our full focus is each game at hand and getting points on the table to get this club safe.
"But I think we need to put on edge as well. We're not shying away from the situation we're in, but we've got belief that we can complete the job at hand.
"I think you can see that in the last two performances, but we need to take that into Saturday."
Image source, SNSHibs have only lost one of their past 16 Scottish Premiership games against Kilmarnock (W9 D6) and are unbeaten in nine (W4 D5) since a 1-0 loss in November 2022.
Kilmarnock have won their past two league games and could win three in a row for the first time since May 2025. However, Killie remain winless in 12 away league outings (D4 L8).
Hibs are on a run of three successive draws, with their past two ending 0-0. The last side to play out three consecutive goalless draws in the Premiership were Hibs themselves in March 2022.
Kilmarnock are winless in 12 Premiership trips to Easter Road (D4 L8) since winning 1-0 in May 2014.
Only Dundee (17.3) have a higher PPDA (opposition passes allowed per defensive action) than both Hibs (14.0) and Kilmarnock (13.6) in the top flight this season.
Image source, SNSNeil 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."
Image source, SNSCeltic and Rangers could face competition from Bologna for David Watson, the 21-year-old midfielder who is out of contract at Kilmarnock in the summer. (Il Resto di Carlino - in Italian), external
Sandy Armour
Fan writer
I'm very much a club before country fan so these international breaks are just a distraction before we get back to the real stuff.
It's all the worse when the break is for friendlies where Scotland are generally poor and they erode our positivity prior to the World Cup. Thankfully, Killie are back in business this weekend and a good number of fans will make the trip to Easter Road on Saturday.
Our record on the other side of Edinburgh is excellent, however Killie do not have a great record against Hibernian. We fought out an entertaining draw earlier in the season and a repeat result would be decent again this time around.
We only have half-a-dozen games left after this so there is no room for below-par performances when points are at a premium. We have every chance of coming away with a result if our defence can continue their mean spirit shown in the past two games, I'll predict a 1-1 draw.
Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine
Image source, SNSSquad newcomer Findlay Curtis offers "something a little bit different" to Scotland, says head coach Steve Clarke.
Winger Curtis, who has impressed since joining Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers in January, is in contention to make his Scotland debut in Saturday's Hampden friendly with Japan.
Clarke, who admitted his team selection might "raise an eyebrow a little bit", insists 19-year-old Curtis is not just a player for the future.
"If he's in the squad he's for right now," said Clarke. "I've got a really good rapport with Finlay, obviously I've watched him, but I knew what he could bring.
"He's a really young boy, so he's equipped himself well in training. Is he one of a different sort of profile, especially with Ben [Gannon-Doak] out injured right now, can he add an injection of pace to the side?
"He brings something a little bit different. People always tell me I don't look for different things.
"Again, I think the young boys are important for the future."
