Kilmarnock
v Hibernian
AFTER a mammoth result against championship-chasing Rangers at Ibrox last week, which kept them a point ahead of the other team craving the final European spot, St Johnstone, Kilmarnock enter the final day of premier-division football hoping that their lung-bursting efforts are not in vain.
For much of this most exciting of seasons they have claimed the coveted fourth position, although they have found that St Johnstone have at all times been in close proximity.
Bobby Williamson's side are one more victory away from claiming the sought after fourth position which comes with a berth in the UEFA Cup, should the governing body choose not to withdraw one of Scotland's places.
Preparations for today's game against the already relegated Hibernian have been thorough and manager Williamson said: ''Everyone's fine, the build-up has gone well, and it's all looking good for the game.''
However, the Killie manager stressed that today's opponents should not be taken lightly, even though their first division fate has been sealed.
''They will be wanting to show that they will be a loss to the new premier league because they are a big club and they will therefore be looking to finish with a win,'' he said cautiously.
''They will bring through a big support and we know that we will be up against it, but the boys are all relaxed and we know that it's up to us now.''
Killie's rivals for fourth spot face a daunting trip to Parkhead, however Williamson refuses to let his attention wander.
''I've told the boys to forget how St Johnstone are getting on against Celtic - if we do our job then we have nothing to worry about.
''We can't afford to have one eye on our game and another on what's happening at Parkhead. We'll be giving this game our undivided attention and we will hopefully get the result we're looking for.''
They seek that result minus their first choice striker, Paul Wright, who has failed to recover from a back injury which kept him out of last week's 1-0 win at Ibrox.
Reflecting on that victory, Williamson admitted: ''It was a great result but there's no point going to Ibrox and getting a result if we slip up at home.''
Doomed Hibs face a number of injury worries and call-offs for their farewell to the big stage. Midfielders Justin Skinner and Grant Brebner are out injured, as are Brian Welsh and Kevin Harper, while winger Tony Rougier is on international duty.
Manager Alex McLeish has brought both Michael Renwick and 18-year-old Kenny Miller into the squad and he has asked for the same effort that they have shown in recent weeks.
McLeish admitted that the club did not have the cash available to bring in ''superstars'' to the side but he believed their new youth set-up, which is likely to have facilities in the east and west of Scotland, would nurture new talent for the Easter Road club.
''The most important thing is to get back into the top league,'' said McLeish. ''I am not looking for money earmarked to bring better players to the club to be channelled anywhere else but for the first team.''
McLeish admitted that another disappointment of relegation would be that Hibs would not be allowed to take part in a new Under-21 league which will be formed by the top 10 clubs.
BOOKIES' VIEW: Kilmarnock - 4-11, Hibernian - 8-1, Draw - 7-2.
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