Steelmen hoping Killie crumble

Motherwell go into their Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock knowing defeat would all but consign them to the play-offs but manager Ian Baraclough is aiming to play on their opponents' vulnerability on Friday night.

Motherwell have only taken one point from three games but Baraclough's men can still get out of second-bottom spot - mainly because of Kilmarnock's poor form.

Killie have suffered six consecutive defeats and another one at Fir Park would leave them just three points ahead with two matches remaining.

Motherwell missed a chance to claw their way back into it last weekend when they drew 1-1 with Ross County.

But Baraclough said: "We're in a good place at the moment. I think we have played better than what the last two results have yielded.

"It is about taking those chances and making sure we move the ball well, everything we have got in that squad, we make sure we bring it to the party.

"It's been a real buoyant week's training. Talking to Jim McIntyre and his staff and they know that they came away with a point and it could have gone the other way for them. They were very complimentary.

"We've got good players and we are in there fighting and battling.''

Baraclough added: "There has been no speak of the play-offs, it has not been mentioned at all. I have watched teams that are in the play-offs because you have to. But we intend not to be there.

"The players are in the mindset that they can go and win the next three games and put pressure on the teams above us.''

Killie were eyeing the top six after a seven-match unbeaten run but their recent slump has put their top-flight status at risk.

Baraclough knows how opposite number Gary Locke feels as his team only took one point from the first eight games of 2015, and he is looking to take advantage of the lack of confidence.

"We've been there and it's difficult to get yourself out of it,'' Baraclough said.

"It's difficult to suddenly switch from six defeats to thinking we are a decent side. Players have doubts and players have doubts in each other.

"We have had that period and managed to get some decent results off the back of it, understanding we are a good team, we have got good ability. We will hopefully play on the fact that they are on a poor run themselves.''