Lee Clark urges Kilmarnock fans to be patient in crunch clash with Falkirk

Patience on and off the park against Falkirk on Sunday is key to Kilmarnock's Premiership survival hopes, according to boss Lee Clark.

The Bairns have a 1-0 lead from the first leg of the semi-final at the Falkirk Stadium on Thursday night thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Will Vaulks.

The goal came after the visitors had passed up several chances and was described by Clark as woeful'', although he stressed there will be plenty of time at Rugby Park to rescue the situation.

The former Huddersfield, Birmingham and Blackpool boss, who is hoping Josh Magennis and Alex Henshall will recover from their respective hamstring and groin problems, told his players: "We have to not panic. If we can get the one goal in the 90th minute we can take it to extra time."

Clark, whose Birmingham side avoided dropping into League One in May 2014 after a 93rd-minute Paul Caddis goal secured a 2-2 draw at Bolton, then sent a message to the Killie fans, saying: "Give us your support. Don't get frustrated if things aren't starting particularly well.

"We are hoping that is not the case. We are going to come out the traps really quickly but just stick with us to the last kick of the game, the last whistle.

"I have been in that position myself where we have done the right thing and got the result in injury time.

"So right until the last kick of the game, that is all I am asking for from the fans.

"Then I have got the chance then over the summer period to turn the club around and change the things the way I want them to be changed in terms of the personnel and we can move forward and not be in this position any more.''

Clark is hoping Northern Ireland striker Magennis, who has scored 12 goals for the Rugby Park side this season, will be able to contribute in some shape or form on Sunday.

He said: "It is a tight hamstring. He has had a scan and no tear, no pull.

"We will need to check in the next 24 hours if it has improved.

"We would like to think that we could use him from some position, whether that is taking a risk from the bench late in the game if needed or even better news, if we can start him.

"Alex Henshall had a tight groin after training on Wednesday. I am hoping he will be okay to be available for the squad."