Defender Stephen O'Donnell praises Steve Clarke's impact at Kilmarnock
The Rugby Park side have picked up 12 points from 8 games since the manager's arrival
Stephen O'Donnell believes Steve Clarke's arrival has helped bring Kilmarnock's out of their early-season “rut”.
The Rugby Park full-back admits his side had found it almost impossible to hold on to results until Clarke's appointment.
O'Donnell thinks the former West Brom and Reading boss has helped spark them into life, with Killie taking 12 points from their last eight games compared to just three from their opening eight.
“Sometimes when you are in a rut it can be hard,” admitted O'Donnell ahead of Saturday's clash with his former club Partick Thistle. “We've been in winning positions but not held on and that can become like a disease.
“But since the manager has come in we've picked up plenty of points and put in some very good performances, especially against the top teams.
“It's all been good since he arrived and hopefully we can continue that with another win against Thistle.”
Killie can move seven points clear of Alan Archibald's basement boys but O'Donnell has backed his former boss to drag the Jags away from danger - so long as the Firhill board give him the time like they did last term.
He said: “It's a big game and we can open up a seven-point gap if we come out on top, which would be a nice cushion.
“The last time we played them there was a bit of pressure on the manager at the time, well from the press anyway. I spoke to the chairman after the game but he was saying they were in the same position last year and still made the top six.
“It's a great club and I hope they do kick-on again - just so long as it's not at our expense.
“Archie has shown he can cope with the pressure. When he first got the job we were second in the first division looking to go for promotion.
“That was a different type of pressure to the one he's facing now but he still coped and the reality is if you want to be a manager you have to be able to live with it.
“The fact he turned things around last season shows he can do it again and I hope the board show some patience with him.”
The Kilmarnock boss meanwhile confirmed Youssouf Mulumbu will join the squad for the first time for Saturday’s match.
The former West Brom player joined Killie last month but had work to do on his fitness before he could be considered by boss Steve Clarke.
Youngster Greg Kiltie stepped up his recovery from his long-term ankle injury with another run-out for the club's under-20s this week but is not yet ready for a first-team return.
Iain Wilson and Steven Smith remain out with knee and back injuries respectively but Jordan Jones returns from suspension.