Allan Johnston insists Kilmarnock have the quality to pull away from the lower reaches of the SPL and grab an unlikely win against Rangers.Kilmarnock have been dragged into a relegation battle following a run of just two wins in their last 15 league outings.

Rangers, however, sit four points clear at the summit of the SPL having won their last eight league games.

Johnston, who in 1996 hit a hat-trick for Hearts against Rangers at Ibrox, believes three points on Sunday would transform Killie's season and lift their spirits.

Sunday's game is at Rugby Park, and the veteran midfielder said: "Rangers are a top team, they've got some great players and are top of the league.

"But if we can get a win against them then that would boost the morale and the confidence of everybody and that could really set our season alight again.

"No matter who we're playing, we're looking to get a win, and if we can manage to get three points then it would be huge for us.

"We're under a different kind of pressure because we're down at the bottom of the league.

"It just seems to be that any mistake we make this season we seem to lose a goal. That's just the way it goes sometimes, it's been bad luck.

"But if we keep working the way we are then I'm sure results will turn for us."

Johnston has endured lengthy spells on the sidelines this season through injury but has come back at the right time to help with their battle against the drop.

He said: "I've just come back and had a full reserve game two weeks ago. It was good to get a run-out.

"It's been a frustrating season for me. I've only played eight games this year, so I've missed a lot of games.

"It's difficult because you want to play.

"When I first came back I suffered another injury again and that made it even worse."

There will be familiar face among the Rangers ranks as former Killie stars Kris Boyd and Steven Naismith return to Rugby Park.

Johnston, 34, said: "It's no surprise to any of us how well Stevie and Kris have done since they went to Rangers because they are quality players.

"I just hope we can keep them quiet if they're involved."

There has been speculation a section of the Kilmarnock supporters would stage a protest against chairman Michael Johnston and the board, who have come in for criticism for their level of investment in players.

But Johnston believes the Rugby Park faithful will get behind the team.

He said: "The fans last weekend at Motherwell were different class and got right behind the team.

"The fans are really important and I'm sure they'll continue to back the team to the end of the season because they realise we need them to help get us out of danger."

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