Tim Clancy insists Kilmarnock can recover from their season of frustration to reassert themselves as top-six contenders next term.Jim Jefferies' side have finished in fifth place in the previous two campaigns but have been unable to repeat that feat this season.

When the Rugby Park outfit missed out on the top six three years ago they dropped just two points in their final five games after the split, which boosted their confidence going into the next campaign.

Defender Clancy admits that hitting such a run of form is 10th-placed Killie's aim for their seven remaining SPL games.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Falkirk, Clancy said: "If we finish the season on a winning run that will give us confidence for next year.

"Falkirk away will be a tough one as they have a chance of getting into the top six, and then we have Hearts, who also are trying to get into the top six. But these are winnable games.

"Then after the split we'll be against teams in the bottom half and all of these are winnable.

"So we're looking to collect a fair few points.

"In a lot of games this season we've played well but not got the results we felt we should have. But we've won our last three games at home, so that is something to build on."

Clancy shone in Kilmarnock's 4-1 win over Inverness last weekend but, like many in Jefferies' squad, has spent a lot of time on the sidelines injured.

Now free of injury, he hopes to enjoy a prolonged run in the side.

Clancy said: "The Killie fans have still to see the best of me because I've not really had a run in the side.

"The lads who have been in ahead of me like Jamie Hamill has been terrific, Grant Murray and Martyn Corrigan are both experienced SPL players.

"I feel I'm lucky to play the games I have, but hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt and do well for the club.

"I unfortunately missed pre-season because I had an operation on my knee so that meant I wasn't in the picture for the start of the season.

"The lads actually started the season really well so I had to wait for my chance but when I got into the side I played two games and then was injured again.

"So I've had to bide my time, although I'm happy with what I've done so far this season, and hopefully I can play in a few more games before the end of the campaign."

More Football News from TEAMtalk