Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies believes Mixu Paatelainen has already proved himself the right manager for Hibernian.Former Hibs striker Paatelainen succeeded John Collins when he was unveiled in January and has guided the Easter Road outfit into contention for a UEFA Cup spot on the back of five wins in eight SPL games.

But Jefferies is determined to build on Kilmarnock's recent upturn in form with a victory over Paatelainen's side in the Scottish Premier League at Easter Road on Saturday.

Killie's concern over relegation has eased because of the plight of Gretna but Jefferies wants his side to push on having secured two wins in their last three games.

Jefferies said: "Mixu has done a great job in a short period of time. He's pulled them together and they are on a great run and hopeful of qualifying for Europe.

"It will be a hard game and if we don't play well then we will have no chance.

"But we have managed two wins in our last three games with great wins over Aberdeen and St Mirren.

"So that gives us something to build on and we are looking to make it three out of four."

Jefferies reluctantly sold striker Colin Nish to Hibernian during the January transfer window, rather than risk losing the hitman for nothing at the end of the season.

Nish has scored three goals in seven games for his new club and Jefferies has not been surprised by his impact.

He said: "Colin's settled in well. We had wanted him to stay but he'd signed a pre-contract, so we sold him and these things happen.

"He has moved on to the club he supported as a boy and we got a fair deal for him as he was coming out of contract."

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