Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: Hard work is paying off for Tyreece John-Jules

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann is happy hard work is paying off for Tyreece John-Jules after he netted his first career hat-trick.

John-Jules was the hero as Killie edged a thriller 4-3 with fellow Scottish Premiership strugglers St Mirren at Rugby Park.

McCann has been delighted with the 24-year-old’s response since he took over from Stuart Kettlewell last month.

“He’s a real talent, a real good kid and he’s got loads to offer the team,” said McCann of the ex-Arsenal academy prospect.

“What he does is give us a bit of physicality and power up top. He’s got a beautiful touch. His all-round game is actually really good.

“It was just about encouraging him to be brave about things – and to work harder. I didn’t think he was working hard enough when I came in.

“I said if you start working harder – with more high-speed runs and putting people under pressure – you’re going to create more chances to score.

“That’s how it’s turning out. Everyone we’ve put a task in front of, they’ve met it head on.”

Killie followed up the home defeat of Aberdeen with another huge victory in their survival fight.

The win dragged St Mirren and Dundee to within three points of the Ayrshire side in the relegation play-off spot.

“I’m so delighted that’s back-to-back wins at Rugby Park now,” added McCann.

“This place used to be a fortress and I’m hoping we can return to that.

“I’m delighted for the board and the fans because it’s been a rough ride for a while now.”

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson was angered by the way his team conceded their goals.

Killian Phillips gave Saints an early lead but Greg Kiltie’s third goal in five games drew the hosts level before an acrobatic hit from John-Jules in stoppage time completed the turnaround.

Phillips scored for the second time to level the game at 2-2 after 48 minutes.

But Robinson insisted John-Jules had it too easy for his second and third goals, which meant Scott Tanser’s stoppage-time volley counted for little.

Robinson said: “There was no creativity to it. Two long balls over the top and we just let our runners go on both occasions.

“That’s really disappointing that Kilmarnock didn’t have to work for their goals.

“That’s hard to justify and we got punished.

“We have to change the mindset to, ‘don’t lose the game’.”

Robinson has key men Mark O’Hara, Jonah Ayunga and Keanu Baccus back training, however none of them will make Saturday’s game at Hibernian.

“They’re doubtful,” admitted Robinson. “They’ve been out a long time and only trained once, maybe twice.

“We have players filling gaps. We are missing the energy and spine of our team.

“People have to step up. They had done in the previous five games and we can’t let this result derail us.

“You either feel sorry for yourself or you react to it.”