Make no mistake - Sunday is a six-pointer for Killie

Hearts at home could provide the spark needed to pull away from the bottom - or an indication it really is time to start worrying

It’s the lot of football fans to be on top of the world at one moment and, just a few bad results later, be declaring the sky is falling.

There were - though they might try to deny it now - some who were calling for Derek McInnes to be fired following the meek Scottish Cup loss to Aberdeen last season. Some of them were probably in Brugge or Copenhagen this summer.

After a sticky start this season, three wins in four in October had most looking up the table yet a run of no wins in six - including that shambolic defeat to Rangers - has talk of the manager’s future once again being raised, though admittedly among a minority.

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While that may be premature it can’t be denied the start to the season has been poor and most of the criticism, be it around team selection, the defending or the lack of discipline, has not been illegitimate.

Billy Bowie is not about to sack McInnes if Kilmarnock don’t beat Hearts on Sunday - and nor should he - but that doesn’t mean it’s not the first proverbial six-pointer of the season.