Published: Tuesday, 20th January, 2009 2:15pm

"We cannot fail" says Killie star

by Stewart McConnell

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MIDFIELD ace Danny Invicibile admits he and his Kilmarnock team mates will be persona non-grata in the town if they fail to see off bitter derby rivals Ayr United in the Homecoming Scottish Cup Fourth Round replay at Rugby Park.

But the Australian ace, who is poised later this week to sign a new two-year deal which will see him pledge his future at the Ayrshire club until 2011 is hoping a win against the Honest Men can spark a revival in their home fortunes following a poor run which has seen them lose seven of their last eight games at Rugby Park.

He said following Saturday"s 2-0 defeat against Hearts: 'It"s hard to say what"s gone wrong but in the past few games we"ve missed a lot of chances but you have to play for the full 90 minutes. I missed a great opportunity myself as did Manuel Pascali. But the Ayr game is the big one. These are the first games between us in a long time and I must say losing is not an option. It can"t happen, we would be stuck in the dressing room for two days if we were to lose that match. It would give us a real overall confidence lift. We have won away to Hibs, Hearts and Dundee United and they are all top six sides but why can"t we do it a home! I don"t know. It"s a problem.'

Jefferies said of the player: 'Danny has had his share of injury problems in the last season or two but he is a great player to have on board and someone the opposing managers talk about after the games.'

The Rugby Park boss is quietly confident his side can end a 15-year losing record in competitive action against Ayr United on Thursday night.

He said: 'Derbies are always games you look forward to and I would say Ayr deserved to get something out of the game at Somerset Park as they got a real lift after we missed the penalty. They are a well-organised side who can score goals but if we can play as well as we did against Hearts and in the first half against Aberdeen but put the ball in the back of the net we should be OK.'

On Sunday Killie return to Clydesdale Bank SPL business and host reviving Hamilton Accies, ko 3pm aiming to end their miserable home run and re-ignite their hopes of claiming a top six-place.