McCann relishing Killie optimism

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann is hopeful his side can build on the optimism around the club as they prepare to start their Scottish Premiership campaign. The Ayrshire side finished strongly last season with four wins in a row to avoid any relegation turmoil and are unbeaten in four competitive outings this season. Killie topped their Premier Sports Cup group stage to earn a home draw in the last 16 against neighbours Ayr United, have a new hybrid grass pitch at Rugby Park, and a state-of-the-art £1.5m training facility now in operation. Newly-promoted St Johnstone are the first test for McCann's side this weekend and the boss hopes his side can keep the momentum rolling. "It's been a great pre-season," he said. "I've been really pleased with it. Boys have come back in good condition, managed to add some numbers to the squad. "And then slowly but surely integrate them into how we want to play, into the team. "It's never easy pre-season, trying to get up to speed. I've already spoken about the League Cup section. I think the main priority is coming through that unscathed, make sure you're in the draw. "And we have a cracking draw to look forward to against our neighbours." Kilmarnock fans have been buoyed by a slew of new signings and holding on to key players from last year such as Tyreece John-Jules and Joe Hugill, with stalwart Aaron Tshibola also returning to the club. The manager wants his players to do their newly-laid pitch justice with their home performances. "I'm really optimistic. I think the fans have a lot optimism, given how we finished last season, and that's really positive, hopefully that's reflective in the numbers that come in to see us," McCann added. "And then we've got a job to do, we've got a job to back that support up, the fans were brilliant last season, I expect them to be brilliant this season. "You've probably seen the pitch, I'm so excited because it's the way Rugby Park should be, it's a terrific stadium and now we have one of the best pitches in the league and hopefully this season we can do it justice by playing some good football."