Lee Ashcroft, the Kilmarnock manager, has this week been focusing fully on his return to the starting XI and a league visit of Dundee.

It makes a change from spending his days mulling over a potential move away from Rugby Park, with the youngster having grown frustrated at his lack of opportunities this season.

His thoughts had drifted to a loan move in January but became centred on a spot in the middle of the Ayrshire side's defence again when Manuel Pascali was sent off against Celtic.

Ashcroft will replace the Italian this afternoon and is determined to make the most of his chance, having made only one league start this term. That came against Dundee on the opening day of the campaign.

"I was actually thinking about waiting until Christmas and then if I was still struggling to get in the team, speak to the manager about going out on loan," said Ashcroft, who made 25 first-team appearances last season. "But right now I'm our only real back-up centre-half, so I know it would be hard for the manager to let me go.

"It's frustrating because while I'm ticking over playing reserve games, I'd prefer to go out and get involved in some matches that really mean something. At my age I need to be playing first-team football to keep improving but I've got my chance this weekend and it is down to myself to take it. We will see how the weekend goes and if [manager Allan Johnston] brings Pasca back in afterwards."

James McPake has already made his return to the heart of the Dundee defence, following the heartbreak of his father's death. The 30-year-old sat out his side's league win away to Motherwell last month as he mourned his loss.

The former Hibernian captain admitted that it has been a tough period of his life but is certain that his father would have been proud to see him back playing and helping his club stay in the top flight.

"These things are never easy for anyone but we have a strong family behind us," said McPake. "Obviously, I missed that weekend's game but I had to get back into it which is what my dad would have wanted and what everyone else wants. It has been hard for everyone but we have all been there for one another.

"My mum has plenty of support behind her and she is probably the strongest out of us all. To be fair, football is not like any other job and you don't have time to think here. You are just thinking about where your next pass is going or your next header. So training has been good. Getting back in amongst the boys has helped me."