Killie boss Steve Clarke has attempted to stir up the mind games ahead of the Dens Park battle by insisting McCann’s basement boys remain under pressure.

McCann agrees – but he insists the only strain he is facing is self-imposed.

Asked if the pressure was off after their 2-0 triumph at the Hope Stadium, the former Sky Sports pundit said: “Not in my own mind. As a manager you are always under pressure to win games of football.

“Clearly we were on a bad run and the room was always busy for my press conferences.

“But I’m happy to take the questions. I’m in a pressure job and I understand these questions have to be asked.

“When I was in my previous job I would have to answer questions on some managers who are facing the same pressure.

“I’ve got a new-found respect for those guys because I know the difficulty they face through the week having to deal with those questions and face up to that pressure.

“Maybe the fans will feel a wee bit of a release because we have got those three points but the pressure is not alleviated on myself because I still want the players to show how good I believe they are.

“So they have full confidence and trust from me tomorrow.”

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