Rory McKenzie admits there's something extra satisfying about battling to win three points in a game that isn't pretty.
He has heaped praise on Kilmarnock for getting the job done against Morton and reckons it'll stand them in good stead going forward in the Scottish Championship.
His side had to work hard for three points, but McKenzie's 75th minute strike was the difference and he was delighted.
He said: “It wasn’t a pretty game but sometimes it’s pleasing to win it like that.
“We need to be better but there is something enjoyable about winning in an ugly way.
“I think I was coming off before the goal so it was nice to get it!
“I need to do more of that – get in at the back post. It just fell to me nicely so it was good.
“The manager has been telling me and Fraser [Murray] to do that more because that’s where we can get goals.
“He was thanking me that I followed in because it was a shanked shot!
“But seriously, I thought he did very well. He’s always looking to get a shot away and if I can gamble then there’s a chance of getting in at the back post."
He added: “I feel we started quite well but Morton do what they do and took the sting out of the game and as it went on our fans started to get a wee bit nervy and that showed in our play in the second half.
“So it’s a big three points. We didn’t play at our best but we got there which is a good sign.
“I think it shows the strength we have. We have Chris Burke and Chris Stokes missing right now and there are lads on the bench who feel they should be playing,
“So there is healthy competition and that stands us in good stead."
McKenzie has been playing out of position this season with his natural spot being central, but he says he's happy to help the team wherever he can.
He said: “I’ll just play where I’m told to. I started in a midfield three this season and then I got an injury and the lads there did well. Burkey has made the wide right slot his the last two seasons."
Next up for Killie is a trip to Partick Thistle on Saturday and McKenzie said: “It should be a good game at Firhill next week – two of the bigger teams in the league. I’m really looking forward to it.”
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