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Scottish Premiership: Gary Locke interested in Kilmarnock manager's job

Image: Gary Locke: Interested in the Kilmarnock job full time

Kilmarnock caretaker-manager Gary Locke admitted he would be interested in taking the job on a full-time basis after the 0-0 draw with Hamilton.

The former Hearts boss took charge of the team for the trip to New Douglas Park after the departure of Allan Johnston on Friday.

And after watching Killie pick up a valuable point at Hamilton, Locke praised the players for a committed performance at the end of a troubled week for the club.

"It's been really difficult because Allan wasn't just the manager, he was a close friend of mine," Locke said.

"He made a decision on Thursday which surprised us all; it certainly surprised myself as well.

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"The reason I'm sitting here is that if he goes, or whatever happened, he wanted me, if I got the opportunity, to go and take it. I certainly wouldn't be sitting here if it wasn't for Allan's blessing.

"Obviously I've experienced being the manager of Hearts under difficult circumstances and I did enjoy it, and if I get the opportunity here then hopefully I can take it. But it's like anything else. I'm not silly, I know we need to win games for me to have any chance of getting the job and that's what we'll try and do.

"One thing about the lads here is that they're all great lads to work with and I think you've seen today, that they gave everything for the Kilmarnock jersey. And if they do that then the fans will certainly be happy because as a supporter that's what you want from the players, you want them to give it their best shot, and that's the way I work. I want players to go out and give 100 per cent.

"You can't play well all the time but you've got to make sure you're giving 100 per cent, and the boys certainly gave us that today."

Accies player-manager Martin Canning, who is now without a victory in his first six matches in charge, felt his side deserved more from the match.

But Canning remains confident that elusive win will come providing the players continue to show the spirit which has epitomised their campaigns so far.

"I'm satisfied with the performance in terms of how we went about our business," Canning said.

"I thought the first half in particular we were excellent; we dominated the game, we picked up second balls and we created opportunities.

"I'm disappointed we didn't win the game and I'm disappointed we didn't score a goal. I felt we deserved on the balance of play probably to win the game, so from that perspective I'm disappointed. But in terms of the game and the performance I can't be too down.

"The boys have put everything into the game and it's just that little bit of a break in terms of getting the goal, or when we're through getting the penalty which would have changed the game as well, obviously. We're just not getting it at the minute but I can't ask any more of the players, and if we keep on performing like that then I'm pretty sure it will turn and we'll win games.

"Obviously you'd rather win than not win, but providing the performances are right the wins will come."

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