Kilmarnock boss Lee Clark reckons Partick Thistle’s players will be anxiously looking over their shoulders as the season draws to a nerve-wracking conclusion.

Killie bolstered their bid to haul themselves out of the Scottish Premiership relegation play-off spot with a rousing 4-0 win over third-bottom Hamilton last weekend.

The resurgent Ayrshire side are just four points behind Accies and six behind Thistle but with the Glasgow club travelling to Rugby Park this weekend on the back of a 4-1 defeat to Inverness, Clark is looking to make sure they are also dragged into the dog fight at the bottom.

He said: “Maybe Partick are starting to get a bit of fear factor for the first time this season. They were probably looking at the top six before the split happened.

“Then it happened and they maybe thought about consolidating and finishing as high as they could in that part of the league.

“But, obviously with the results and the way the fixtures have fallen, if we beat them on Saturday, they are right in amongst it. It depends on how their players react to that situation.

“My players have been around it most of the season. Our job, since I got here, was to stay in the league. It could have an effect. They (Thistle) might also have a bunch of players who could react in a positive way knowing they have to produce a performance.

“One thing Partick have been renowned for this season has been a good defensive record, so for them to concede four last weekend was quite a unique situation. I’d imagine they’ll be hurting at that and not wanting to concede goals as they did against Inverness.”

After hitting the goal trail last weekend, Killie could just be finding form at the best possible time and Clark was full of praise for his players as they battle to safeguard their Premiership place.

He added: “I’ve been very impressed by the response of the players since I walked in the door. Their attitude and application has been terrific. That shows me they are up for the fight and they are believing in what we are doing.”