Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies insists his team are not underachievers despite their disappointing SPL campaign.For the first time in three years, the Rugby Park outfit will play their final five games in the bottom half of the top-flight.

But Jefferies stressed Kilmarnock's main aim is always to ensure they remain among the elite band of clubs, and claims they have exceeded realistic targets in previous seasons.

He said: "For us to make top five and a cup final, we overachieved with what we were working with and what we had to do.

"You cannot guarantee that every year, and someone always gets a turn.

"It is Motherwell and Dundee United this year."

Jefferies has seen Hearts drop into the bottom six of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, and insists his former club's situation is entirely different to how Kilmarnock should be judged.

While Hearts have a high wage bill and large squad, Killie have had to scrape together a team at times due to a lack of depth.

"It's been a bad season for Hearts, but they have the resources to be in there and we haven't, unless someone comes in and ploughs money into the club," said Jefferies.

"The remit is making sure Killie are in the SPL full stop. The top six drives players and management."

Like many of his fellow bosses, Jefferies wants Killie to use their final SPL games as a launchpad for an assault on the top six next season.

When they missed out on the top six three seasons ago, Killie dropped just two points in their final five games and Jefferies believes that gave them the confidence for a successful campaign the next year.

Ahead of Saturday's SPL clash at Inverness, he said: "There is nothing wrong with fans having expectations, but we want to use these games to launch us as it did three years ago.

"Of our last five matches, we took around 13 points and it gave us a push for the following year as everyone went away thinking it might be our year.

"We were putting a team together and if we do so again, it will follow a similar pattern.

"A lot of the boys are playing to be part of it and nothing needs to be said in the team talks.

"I've told the players it is simple. You want to finish well for the supporters. They have been great to us because they have understood the reasons why we are not in the top six.

"Also, they have contracts to play for. I've said my job will be harder if they show they are worthy of playing here next year.

"If three or four come through, I may not have to make as many changes as I felt I might have to a months ago."

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