MAKESHIFT defender Gary Dicker is hoping Kilmarnock can avoid the nightmare scenario of another relegation fight following a fine display to end 2016.

The Irishman was a standout as he switched from his midfield role to the rearguard in the Hogmanay Ladbrokes Premiership clash away to Partick Thistle which ended in a 0-0 draw.

He said: "I didn't sleep for a week (before the Premiership playoff against Falkirk) I don't want to be involved in that again. We all dug in and grew into the game a bit more in the second half, we looked a lot stronger near the end. It was a pleasing note to end the year with a clean sheet.

"We want to try getting into that top six. We are harder to beat at home but must keep picking up points away from home."

Manager Lee Clark, who had four key players out injured was encouraged with the effort as the team enjoy a three-week break and said: "We created some situations in the first half. It was important for us to get something from the game whichever way it came - we had been hoping for a win but it wasn't to be. We got a clean sheet which is always something to build on and a point away from home is always a good one. We are getting positive results against the teams around us in the league."

The boss is hoping to add a few new faces in the January transfer window with injured players also set to return and said: "When we get three or four back coupled with some incomings we should be a lot stronger."