Kenny seeks to keep momentum going

"We have to win, if we were to lose we would be in a very difficult position.

"This is a big one for us. Had St Mirren beaten Motherwell at home a few weeks ago we would have been eleven points behind, now if we win on Monday we can bring that gap down to one point.

"We have to win, if we were to lose we would be in a very difficult position. However, we have given ourselves a chance.

"Our players are coming to the fore, players like Dutch goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and our Ivory Coast centre-back Souleymane Samba. If we stay up we can hold on to these players and being in Europe attract more, but if we are relegated that opportunity diminishes.

"The last time we played them, in East End Park, they had 11 men behind the ball for the 90 minutes, but they played well against Falkirk last Monday so I expect them to have a go this time on their home pitch.

"Inverness was a turning point when we came back and won 3-1. We were nine points behind at the bottom and a goal down at half-time but we turned it around. We are on a bit of a run. We've won three of our last four league games, beating Inverness, Dundee United and Hibernian, and we beat Hibs in the Cup, so we are getting a bit of momentum and the players have more belief in themselves.

"Now we can bring it back to a point if we win on Monday so we can't approach it with any fear. I'm not going to concern myself with the way St Mirren play. They have some good players, but I'm more concerned how we approach it. It's about ourselves.

"Tam McManus has only played three games for us and we've won all three. We signed him after the transfer window because he was a free agent. He was cup-tied even though he didn't play in the cup - he was on the bench for Falkirk but didn't come on and that renders him ineligible.

"Stephen Glass, who is on loan from Hibs, is in the same position. He was on the bench for Hibs, didn't play, so he won't be eligible for the final against Celtic. However, he's available for the St Mirren game, as is Scott Wilson, who is back from suspension and will replace Phil McGuire who is suspended."

SPL survival is hugely important since Stephen Kenny has ambitions at Dunfermline:-

"We'll have a strong side next season if we stay up. This is a hugely significant game for the club. If we win we'll get the momentum to stay up, but anything less and we're up against it."

Andy Tod Testimonial Match 02/05/07