Former Scotland international Barry Ferguson insists the influence of Steve Clarke has helped Kilmarnock believe they can get results away from home at Celtic and Rangers.

Killie forced Celtic to dig deep and work tirelessly during the Bhoys’ narrow 1-0 win over the visitors at Parkhead on Saturday in the Scottish Premiership.  
 



Neil Lennon’s men just about did enough to get over the line courtesy of Jozo Simunovic’s header in the second half, but were made to work their socks off by the opposition.

Kilmarnock impressed during the first half and in the wake of their display away from home at the defending champions, Ferguson has lauded the influence of Clarke on Killie.
 


The former Scotland skipper admitted he was mightily impressed by Killie during their defeat at Celtic and insists Clarke has helped them believe they can go to the likes of Celtic and Rangers and come away with a result.



“You’ve got to give them credit, I think they went there [Parkhead] to try and win the game [against Celtic]”, Ferguson said on the PLZ Soccer show.

“Quite a lot of teams who come to places like Celtic Park and Ibrox tend to sit back and frustrate them, but for me I was really impressed, certainly in the first half, with Kilmarnock.
 

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“Some of the football they played and they went to attack Celtic, so all credit, not just to Stevie Clarke, but all credit to the players as well because I think they had the belief.

“These Kilmarnock players, certainly since Stevie Clarke’s come in, he’s given them the belief that they can go to places like Celtic Park, Ibrox even Pittodrie and win the game of football.”

Kilmarnock, who continue to remain in fourth place, will next face Hearts away from home at Tynecastle on Saturday in the Premiership.