You Gotta Believe

Last updated : 31 October 2010 By Ed_ScottishFitba
Kilmarnock have no fresh injury problems ahead of their trip to Tynecastle to take on Hearts. Long-term injury absentees James Dayton and Alan Combe remain on the sidelines, winger Dayton is likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury while goalkeeper Combe is still to return from summer hernia surgery. Manager Mixu Paatelainen is confident his side will not become disillusioned despite a run of five games without a win. Killie have lost four times since knocking Hibs out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup last month, with a string of missed chances and some bad mistakes in defence costing them dear. But Paatelainen insists there is no danger his players will lose their belief despite the lack of rewards for some attractive football.

The Finn said: "We do show the players when we analyse the matches how well or badly they have played. There are plenty things to correct and improve on and plenty stuff we do quite well. We do know the level we are at in terms of quality of our play, our weaknesses and strengths, so it's not difficult at all to keep the players focused and motivated.''

Paatelainen hinted at making changes in January following Wednesday's cup quarter-final defeat by Rangers but he denied trying to pressure his players into stepping up their game. He said: "It's not to put pressure on players. Players know that, wherever they play, whatever level they play at, whatever club they play for, there are always changes. Come January or summertime, when the window is open, there is always the possibility to bring in new faces. Obviously we are quite limited what we can do in the transfer market but it there is an opportunity to bring in fresh faces who we feel can help us, then we will do so.''

Hearts have kept two clean sheets in win over Aberdeen and St Mirren since skipper Marius Zaliukas returned following a contract stand-off. And Paatelainen knows his side are in for a tough test. He said: "It's always difficult to play Hearts because they have quality players. They have good quality on the bench too so it will be really hard. We must be at our best if we want to take anything from the match. We do realise their strengths and maybe a couple of weaknesses.''
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