Paul Sheerin insists Kilmarnock are ready to ignite their season after using the international break to draw a line under their European efforts.
Derek McInnes’ men played six qualifying games in Europe this season, falling at the Conference League play-off stage to Copenhagen, but their domestic form suffered and they prop up the Premiership with just one point from four games.
“It’s been tough going, the results have reflected that unfortunately,” said assistant boss Sheerin.
“So now the European adventure is out of the way we focus again on league duty and we knuckle down and hopefully start picking up points as soon as possible.
“At no stage will we use that [European football] as an excuse, it’s just not quite gone our way in terms of performance levels and we’re constantly looking to improve on that.
“But this international break has definitely given us a chance to get ourselves going again. Training properly is taken out of the equation when you’re travelling and playing two games a week, you’re not being exposed to as much training as you’d like.
“We’ve managed to get a good bit of training under our belt, a bit more structure to our working week, and hopefully that will help us going forward.”
Dutch striker Kevin van Veen, who had an underwhelming loan spell with Killie in the second half of last season, could make his St Mirren debut when the Ayrshire side visit Paisley on Saturday.
“You need to be aware of him even without a point to prove,” said Sheerin.
“He’s got brilliant qualities, we recognised those qualities when we signed him and he showed those qualities when he came into the club.
“I think he made others around him better too. Kyle Vassell and Marley Watkins towards the tail-end of the season were excellent for us, which made it more difficult for Kevin to get in, but we’re no doubt about the quality he brings.”
