Ross County manager Jim McIntyre reckons Kilmarnock’s summer addition of assistant manager Gary Locke has had a big say in the Ayrshire side’s success this season.
Bottom-of-the-table County face Killie at Rugby Park this afternoon – a venue where the Staggies have never won.
Killie have made an impressive start and are in sixth place having racked up 20 points.
McIntyre believes manager Allan Johnston’s recruitment of Locke, who was dismissed as Hearts manager at the end of last season, has been a key factor in Killie’s form.
McIntyre said: “They’ve made some very good signings, however Allan Johnston’s best addition has been assistant manager Gary Locke. He’s brought a lot to the club and you’ve got to give them both great credit for the start they’ve had.
“Last weekend was just the second game they’ve lost at home, where they’re a very strong team. They’ll be out to make amends for that defeat and it’s going to be a tough game.
“They’ve had a fantastic start. When you get that momentum it can continue on. They’re a real danger and have some good players.
“It’s important we go there and take our game to them and make sure we do what we did against Caley Thistle and Dundee at home.”
McIntyre felt his side lacked attacking belief in Monday night’s 1-0 defeat by Aberdeen and is looking for an improvement this afternoon.
McIntyre added: “We need to get into areas and go and attack. That was the only thing that was missing the other night. We never got at Aberdeen quick enough and didn’t show belief in the final third. For whatever reason on Monday night we didn’t get into the areas we have been getting into.
“It’s the first time I’ve had to say that to the players and we’ve created chances every game. We created the chance for Liam Boyce but, more so in the first half, we need to be getting forward quicker.”