Manuel Pascali "100% sure" Killie will make amends against Accies

By Kenny CrawfordBBC Sport Scotland
Manuel Pascali conceded the penalty which led to St Mirren's fourth goal on Saturday
Manuel Pascali conceded the penalty which led to St Mirren's fourth goal on Saturday

Kilmarnock captain Manuel Pascali has guaranteed that the club's players will redeem themselves against Hamilton.

The Italian felt Saturday's 4-1 defeat at St Mirren was "not good enough" as Killie seek to avoid the threat of relegation from the Premiership.

"We'll see how many players have got the character to show up because now there's a bit of pressure," he said.

"But if you want to be a player and compete at the highest level, you have to deal with that."

The result in Paisley - Killie's fifth consecutive defeat - was described by manager Gary Locke as "unacceptable" and came on the same weekend the club's title-winning team of 1965 celebrated the 50th anniversary of their triumph.

Kilmarnock are ninth in the league, seven points ahead of Motherwell, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot in 11th, with four matches remaining.

Pascali to extend seven-year Killie stay?
"I've got four games to go to try and see what's going to happen, but if I play like that it's better I start to think about another job - no, I'm joking!"

Killie beat Hibernian on the last day of the 2013-14 campaign to avoid slipping into 11th position.

Hamilton Academical, who have already made their place in the top flight next season certain, visit Rugby Park this weekend.

"I'm pretty sure I can say that on Saturday it will be a different story; I will be 100% sure," said the 33-year-old.

Manuel Pascali joined Kilmarnock in 2008 after leaving Parma
Manuel Pascali joined Kilmarnock in 2008 after leaving Parma

"I'll make sure, the gaffer will make sure and all the boys will make sure that we have another kind of performance.

"I've been in this situation last season and I know what we need. We just need to shut up and work hard. We know if we beat Hamilton we will be pretty much there so now I'm looking forward to this week because I like these kinds of challenges.

"I'm the captain and I need to lead by example. All of us have got the chance to redeem ourselves next game, so work hard and we will be on fire against Hamilton."