Calderwood wants more than a draw

Dunfermline only need a draw at Kilmarnock to secure their place in the top half of the table for the Premier League split.

But manager Jimmy Calderwood does not believe his team can just play for a point.

In their first season back in the top flight, the Fifers have exceeded all expectations, and with extra matches against Rangers and Celtic the prize for Calderwood's side, the financial rewards are obvious.

But there will be no 'safety first' tactics from the visitors, even though they have failed to record a victory at Rugby Park for eight years.

"It isn't a good statistic but records are there to be broken," said Calderwood.

"We have had two great games with Kilmarnock earlier in the season and we are looking forward to it.

"I am not intending to go looking for a draw, even though I feel we are quite good defensively.

"Maybe if it gets down to the last few minutes we might think about it, but if we just sit back from the start, they will hurt us."

Calderwood has doubts over four members of his squad - Justin Skinner, Stevie Crawford, Andrius Skerla and Chris McGroarty - but expects at least three of them will be fit to start.

Veteran midfielder Ian Ferguson is suspended for a game which, for Calderwood, proves the SPL split is a good idea.

"It is probably too early to say whether it is going to be a success or has a long-term future but it has given us something to aim at," he said.

"If we don't make it that doesn't mean this season has not been a good one for us.

"But it would keep our season alive because we would be playing games which affected Champions League places and European slots and also guarantee we can only go up in the table, not down."

The Pars could lose and still finish sixth, but only if Dundee fail to win at Aberdeen.

Killie are already assured of a top six finish but that in itself will not be enough for the men from Ayrshire.

It has been a long time since Kilmarnock won a home league game and manager Bobby Williamson knows reversing that trend is the key to his side sneaking into Europe.

Killie still possess an enviable away record but have not won at Rugby Park since St Mirren were beaten 2-1 on October 21.

It is a statistic that has been dogging Williamson ever since and he admitted it was a sequence that had to be ended.

He said: "We would like to win a few more games. I think we have got seven left now and if we can pick up a few wins that would be good.

"Hearts are ahead on goal difference but we have a game in hand, albeit against Rangers.

"Tomorrow will be a good guideline to how things are going to be after the split."

Striker Craig Dargo is suspended following his red card at Dundee last week, his punishment for taking a swing at Steven Tweed that did not connect.

Dargo will be able to return for Killie's first post split game but then faces a further two-match ban under the points system.

One new signing is set to replace another as Jesus Sanjuan is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after suffering knee ligament damage on his debut at Dens Park.

The Spaniard's place could be taken by countryman and fellow former Airdrie midfielder Antonio Calderon.