Neil McCann has told his Kilmarnock players to build on their first league win of the campaign as they look for a “fresh start” in the Scottish Premiership.
Kilmarnock eased some of the pressure on McCann on Tuesday night when George Stanger’s close-range finish secured a 1-0 win over struggling Hibernian at Easter Road, their first win in six league games after the frustration of exiting the League Cup to 10-man Aberdeen after a penalty shoot-out.
It has given the club a much-needed lift ahead of Saturday’s visit of third-placed Hearts.
“We felt the team were capable of getting a result because of performances I feel have been coming and we as a staff feel have been coming, the players as well,” McCann said.
“We looked a real threat. We had to deal with some incredible adversity coming our way with some of the decisions. We didn’t overreact to them. We stayed calm.
“We defended with so much unity, grit and determination to hang on in the face of adversity against a team that got a lift…they pushed us all the way. So normally the three points is very pleasing for us, but as you rightly say, the manner, the performance was just incredible.”
McCann fumed over two penalty claims that went unrewarded before Djenairo Daniels was sent off for a second booking in stoppage time, but said the response of his players can carry them forward after a tough start to the campaign.
“I can’t speak highly enough of (the players) and how they want to play the game,” he added. “But as I said after the game, it’s three points only and hopefully it’s a fresh start for us and we can build on that tomorrow night.”
