Jefferies looks for Gers lift

Last updated : 24 November 2006 By Killie97
Jefferies looks for Gers lift


Jim Jefferies has urged Kilmarnock to take full advantage of Rangers' European travels to clinch their first win at Ibrox in six years.The Rugby Park side are currently just three points behind the second-placed Light Blues in the SPL. But, although the Ibrox club have endured an indifferent start to the SPL season under Paul Le Guen, Jefferies recognises the task facing his team as they aim for a first win in Govan since October 2000. Now, however, Killie will travel to Glasgow to face a Gers team which has recorded successive league wins for the first time this term - against Dunfermline and Hearts. But the Kilmarnock boss is hoping the effects of the UEFA Cup return trip from Auxerre last night will provide his team with an impetus on Sunday. Jefferies said: "I have been involved with teams when they have come back from Europe and you never know how Rangers will do on Sunday after being away. They may freshen it up. "I want Rangers to do well in Europe just like Celtic. They have had back-to-back league victories and that will help their confidence. "There is no point worrying about Rangers, you need to look after your own and we know we will have to be at our best to get a result. "If we do not play well, then Rangers will not have to do so to beat us. "If we get one or two chances, we must take them and put them under pressure. It is a massive step to try to get a result there." Kilmarnock clinched a point against Rangers earlier in the season at Rugby Park and Jefferies believes they are gradually closing the gap on the Old Firm. But the Killie manager recognises his team must start taking points from the Glasgow giants to further prove the point. Jefferies said: "People keep rubbing it in our face about results against Rangers and Celtic, but I feel we're getting closer apart from the opening day defeat at Parkhead. "At Rugby Park recently, we had a very close encounter against Celtic and gave them a run for their money. "We then managed to get a point from Rangers at our place. That certainly helped our confidence, especially as we came from behind. "But now we have to try and get a result at Ibrox and Celtic Par. "We know we are capable of doing it but we know it will not be easy