Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels denied his team had their minds on next weekend’s League Cup semi-final after falling to a 3-0 home defeat to Dunfermline.
Killie face rivals Ayr United in an Ayrshire derby at Hampden next Saturday as they aim to reach their first final since 2007.
But the Northern Irishman refused to use a lack of focus as an excuse for the Pars’ triumph.
Shiels said: "I've heard people say that going into the game. The players are professionals, no way would I say that is any reason for today's result.
"It wasn't a good day for us, we have to take it on the chin and get back to work again.
"There was unpredictability about the flight of the ball all day. To say the pitch caused us problems would be the understatement of the year.
"I don't want to take credit away from Dunfermline though, they are down there fighting for their lives and they showed great spirit for their manager."
IN DETAIL
In this section
- Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels agrees new two-year deal to stay at Rugby Park
- Celtic win SPL fair play award as Hibernian named worst disciplined side
- Further talks due to determine Kenny Shiels' future as Kilmarnock boss
- Kenny Shiels rejected approach from English club to stay with Kilmarnock
- Late double sees relegated Dunfermline beaten in season's final SPL match
- Live Scottish football goal updates: Saturday, May 12
- Dunfermline v Kilmarnock squad news: Mason says Pars will fight on
- Kenny Shiels: 'It's in Killie's best interests to have me as manager'
- Kilmarnock boss expects progress in contract talks 'by start of next week'
- Kilmarnock boss 'delighted' as Garry Hay agrees new one-year contract
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