Power confident Kilmarnock can avoid complacency if no new arrivals in January

Alan Power insists the Kilmarnock squad will not get too comfortable despite boss Steve Clarke admitting he will not be splashing out during the January sales.

Kilmarnock are unbeaten in their last five games and manager Clarke hinted his team's current form is so good he may not have to make any additions when the transfer window reopens on Monday.

The threat of added competition has been lifted for now but Power says he and his team-mates realise they need to respond positively to the manager's show of faith.

The Irishman told Press Association Sport: “It's refreshing to hear the manager say that because the whole team has reacted brilliantly to his appointment.

“Now it's not a case of worrying about whether he is going to change the whole squad around.

“It's more now us realising we have a great opportunity here with a great manager leading us.

“I think everybody has taken that on board and, touch wood, we can keep it going, keep impressing him and keep hold of our jerseys if we can.''

If Clarke does have a rethink, Killie fans will hope his next signing can match the impact made by Youssouf Mulumbu.

The former West Brom midfielder was a stand-out presence during Saturday's win over Rangers.

His display set the tone for a win which moved Clarke's side into the top six just two months after he inherited a side bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Now Power says the rest of the Killie squad are looking to match the Congolese international's standards as they look to finish 2017 on a high, starting with Wednesday's clash at Hamilton.

“When Youssouf first came in, like the manager, he had a big reputation behind him but he's already showing he can live up to it,'' said Power.

“His composure on the ball was first class and it ran through the team afterwards. Everybody grew in confidence on the back of his display and we all came into the game a bit more.

“Knowing that the manager can attract guys of his ability will only make the rest of us raise our game again, just in case he does decide to bring in a body or two.

“Getting to learn from somebody like Youssouf, especially for the young lads here, can only be a good thing so if someone else comes in the competition will be an added bonus.

“Looking ahead to the second half of the season it's just about more of the same.

“We've managed to get ourselves away from the bottom of the table and we're now looking forward.

“But we won't get too big-headed. There's still a lot of places we can improve.

“Hopefully we can pick up some more points, starting against Hamilton, before the winter break and set us up lovely for the new year.'

• superscoreboard