KILMARNOCK midfielder Gary Locke today admitted the Rugby Park club face being dragged into a relegation dogfight unless their results improve.

Killie are now just nine points ahead of bottom-placed Gretna in the SPL table - but the Black and Whites have a game in hand on their rivals.

However, former Hearts skipper Locke thinks Jim Jefferies' side should be safe if they continue to perform like they did against Rangers Gary confessed: "We've got to start picking up points. We've got everybody back now and it's time to push on.

"If we can perform like we did against Rangers, I'm pretty confident we will start winning games.

"We have to look at Gretna because of the position we are in, but the Rangers performance was a lot more encouraging.

"If we can play like that between now and the end of the season, we will win more games than we lose."

Jefferies was pleased with the efforts of his players despite seeing them leak goals to Carlos Cuellar and former player Kris Boyd from the penalty spot.

He commented: "I couldn't ask any more of them. I couldn't have any complaints about the way we played and I don't think the goalkeeper had to make too many saves.

"We didn't get cut up like we did a few weeks ago against Celtic and you have to give us credit for that.

"There was a lot of spirit and determination and no shortage of ability, there was some good football.

"I've a lot to be encouraged about and, if we can do that from now until the end of the season, there will be no problem."