Lee Clark has called upon his Kilmarnock attackers to take more risks in order to fire the struggling Rugby Park outfit clear of the relegation zone.

Killie have scored just one goal in the six games since Clark took charge, and while he has made them harder to score against, he is worried about their lack of a killer instinct at the other end.

Clark has held a meeting with his attacking players to get to the root of the problem, and he reckons it comes down to there being too many players in his squad that are afraid to miss chances.

They may currently be sitting in eleventh position and the dreaded relegation play-off spot, but Clark is looking to free his players from the mental shackles that seem to be inhibiting their finishing.

He said: “We had a good meeting with the attacking players on Monday to say that they are working hard and they’re part of what the group is doing without the ball.

“They’re playing some good stuff, but ultimately we have to improve upon scoring goals.

“We’re creating chances, it’s not as if we’re not.

“I would never criticise a player for missing an opportunity, what will upset me is if we don’t have enough players who want to get into the danger zone.

“I’ve been stressing that to the players. They’ve got to have an instinct to want to get into that danger zone and not worry about it if they miss a chance.

“I just feel at this moment we haven’t got enough of those players.

“I’m absolutely convinced that if we continue the way we are and marry that to taking more risks in the final third, then more points will come.

“I’ve spoken to the attacking players at the club, and told them that ultimately their responsibility for this football club is making and scoring goals.

“All the attackers have to take responsibility – wide players, the players in the number 10 position and strikers – when you put down on your CV that you’re an attacking midfielder, a winger, a striker or whatever, you’re putting yourself forward as being responsible for making and scoring goals for your team.

“The players have got the freedom to do it, I’m always telling them on the training ground to take risks in the final third.

“Certainly me as a manager won’t berate players for going into the danger zone and missing opportunities, as long as they keep going back in there.”

The next task facing Kilmarnock in their battle against the drop is a home tie against Clark’s friend Tommy Wright’s St Johnstone outfit.

Despite their closeness, Clark says that neither will be looking to do any favours for the other.

“I know my big mate Tommy will be hurting with the result they had in their last game, so we’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a tough fixture for us,” he said.

“They’re still fighting to get into the top six, which would be another brilliant achievement for the big man and his players.

“I played with him at Newcastle and when I was assistant manager at Norwich Tommy was the goalkeeping coach.

“I know his family very well. He’s a fantastic guy and I couldn’t be more pleased for him. He’s done really well since he got the job there.

“On Saturday for 90 minutes though our friendship will be put to the side. We’ll have a cup of tea afterwards without a doubt, but the game is too important to the football club to let friendships get in the way of the result.”