Stevie Smith's courage impresses Killie boss Lee Clark

Kilmarnock boss Lee Clark has praised skipper Stevie Smith for putting his body on the line to help the Rugby Park relegation fight.

The left-back was originally set to miss last weekend's trip at Aberdeen while he sought the advice of a specialist to help with a hip complaint.

But Clark was impressed as the former Rangers defender declared himself fit for the Pittodrie trip.

The 30-year-old could not prevent Killie going down 2-1 to the Dons and falling five points behind Hamilton in their battle to escape the Ladbrokes Premiership play-off zone.

But his manager believes his team will need the kind of commitment to the cause Smith showed from the rest of his squad if they are to survive.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with leaders Celtic, Clark said: I thought Stevie was outstanding at Aberdeen. He has shown the courage that he wants to play through the little injury problem he has. He didn't look like he had any injury on Saturday.

I saw him bombing down the line in the 94th minute to try and put a cross in as we chased an equaliser.

So I was really happy he was back in the team. It's no co-incidence we looked a stronger team when Stevie was back in.

He's a good example to everyone else in the squad that as captain, he's willing to put himself forward when not 100 per cent fit and roll his sleeves up.

That's brilliant for me. I'm not a manager who wants to put somebody in jeopardy by making an injury worse but it's great to see him putting his body on the line to help the club.

We are hoping to manage him through until the end of the season. Ultimately it will be down to Steve whether that proves too difficult.

Some sessions he might just work with the physio but he's an experienced player, he's got good fitness levels and knows his body, so we're prepared to work with him to get him out on the park on a match day, because having him there will be crucial for us.''

• Local News