ALEX DYER is not looking at Kilmarnock's clash with Rangers through the prism of the Old Firm title battle.

Just over a year ago the Ayrshire club severely dented the Light Blues' hopes of wresting the trophy back from Celtic with a 2-1 win at Rugby Park, with the Hoops then going on to make it eight-in-a-row.

Rangers go into the game this evening trailing the champions by seven points and although they have a game in hand, a defeat would be hugely damaging.

But that is of no concern to the Kilmarnock boss, whose side are in seventh place, one point behind Hibernian.

"They are like everyone else, they can't afford to drop points and neither can we," said Dyer.

"It's not just about Rangers and Celtic, it's about Kilmarnock and we want to win football matches just like they do.

"I just think about us, winning the games and what's good for us. If we win the game then that takes it where it takes it but the most important thing is about us.

"I look at the opposition, look at their strengths and weaknesses and we work on that and we look at ourselves and see how we can hurt them. I treat every game the same, just because it's Rangers or Celtic, I won't treat them differently."

Kilmarnock have reportedly opened contract talks with striker Eamonn Brophy as he enters the final 18 months of his deal, while an offer has been made to Stephen O'Donnell.

Boss Dyer will leave contract talks to head of football operations James Fowler and said: "As far as I know [Brophy] has 18 months to go and he is our player. It hasn't come to me yet. Of course, I would like to see him stay.

"When he is in the side and playing well we are a better team so obviously you want to keep the best players at the club."