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Lochlin Highet

Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes switches focus as his side look to get title hunt on track

Derek McInnes says it's time to dust themselves down and focus on winning the league.

The Kilmarnock boss watched his side throw away a lead in the SPFL Trust Trophy semi-final clash against Raith after heading into the break at 1-0 thanks to Oli Shaw.

Second half goals from Ross Matthews and Aaron Arnott ensured it was the Fife side squaring off against Queen of the South.

But now all focus switches to Hamilton and McInnes has been quick to remind his players they are only one point behind Scottish Championship leaders Arbroath.

He said: “It’s important we dust ourselves down, but at the same time if we had won the game last night we would still have had to make sure we’re ready for Hamilton.

“Because with nine games to go and five at home we need to go and win them, that’s how I feel.

“And this is the start of that final stretch, if you like.

“We need to remind the players we’re only a point off the top of the league, sometimes it doesn’t feel like that.

“We need to show we’re right in the fight to win a title and get the positivity from that and be confident enough to deal with that situation.

“Saturday will help us no end if we can go and win the game.

“In the eight games we’ve been in we’re only second in the form table to Morton, only they have picked up more points.

“So while we’re not satisfied with our form and we expect better to come, it’s important we go and show we’re the best team in this division from now on in and come out on top."

McInnes added: "I was gutted for the supporters who turned up, it's not every season you can get to a cup final.

"It's not the Scottish Cup final or the League Cup final, but it's still a final and I'm gutted we weren't able to do that.

"But I am determined to get a team on the park that the supporters can be proud of, and we can do that this season by winning the league.

"We can have a better day in the sun by winning the title, we missed an opportunity of having a good day out and trying to win a cup, but we are still in the fight.

"We need to have real strength in the last nine games, and that starts Saturday at home to Hamilton.

"The last two home games in the league we won, and we picked up a point on the road.

"So if we can take care of business at home and take points away then we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."

Killie will be without captain Chris Stokes who has been at hospital after bursting his face open, Kyle Lafferty and Ash Taylor will be out as Brandon Haunstrup comes back into contention.

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