Kilbane’s double target as he enjoys pressure of play-offs

Over the last 15 years, Kilbane has fought a series of relegation battles with Hull City, Wigan Athletic, Everton and Sunderland.

Now, as he approaches the end of his four-month loan stay at the Galpharm Stadium, the veteran midfielder is on the brink of achieving only the second promotion success of his career.

The Terriers, who finished third in the table this season, visit Bournemouth tomorrow for the first leg of a League One play-off semi-final.

For Kilbane, it is an opportunity to enjoy a different sort of pressure to what he has grown used to. Not since his teenage days at Preston North End has the 34-year-old savoured the glory of a promotion.

Lee Clark’s men are only two games away from an Old Trafford play-off final against Peterborough United or Milton Keynes Dons and three games away from winning promotion to the Championship.

“Promotion has always been this club’s aim and I wanted to come along and be part of a successful side,” says Kilbane. “I have had many relegation battles in my career and been in a lot of sides that have managed to scrape home in the last few games of the season.

“But there is no doubt this is equally as big a battle – and I must say it is certainly nicer to be winning games than having the mentality of just having to stay in games to survive.”

Town are unbeaten in 25 games but were pipped to an automatic promotion spot by Brighton, who led the way nearly all season, and Southampton, who finished second after winning 13 of the last 15 games.

“In seasons gone by, that sort of run would have guaranteed us promotion but we have faced two other sides who have done better,” reflected Kilbane.

“We are not getting too carried away – but we are in good spirits and confident that we can get over that final hurdle,” he added. “We have just got to continue this run now and not get complacent.”

Although his contract with parent club Hull does not expire until the end of next season, Kilbane is hoping to stay with Town when the play-offs are over.

“We have not had a conversation yet regarding my future,” he admitted. “Other things take priority just at the moment but, ideally, I would like to stay and, hopefully, something can be done.”

A Republic of Ireland international with over a century of caps, Kilbane will be allowed to miss games against Scotland, Northern Ireland and Macedonia in the next three weeks to play his part in Town’s push for promotion.

“These are big games for the club and big games for all the players,” he says. “If I help the lads in any way, that’s great, but, to be honest, I can learn from them as well.

“These are my first play-off games although I have watched a lot in the past and I think they are great for English football. It will be great to be finally involved.

“It seems funny that a whole season has now come down to these next three games and what’s gone before doesn’t really count. But everyone should thrive on the opportunity we have ahead of us.”

Both this season’s fixtures between the clubs have ended in draws although Kilbane was only involved in the second, a 1-1 draw at Dean Court three months ago, a point secured in the 89th minute by Danny Cadamarteri’s equaliser.

“We were a bit lucky on the day to get that draw,” he reflected. “We are going into this game on the back of a lot of good performances but that was not one of them. We know we can improve on that.”

Teenage striker Jimmy Spencer has been added to Town’s squad for tomorrow’s game after completing an impressive loan spell at Morecambe United.

Spencer, 19, scored eight goals in 32 appearances for the Shrimpers as they avoided relegation from League Two.

Defender Nathan Clarke and striker Robbie Simpson have also returned to the club after loan spells with Colchester United and Brentford, respectively, but are ineligible for the play-offs, having signed loan deals that stretch until the end of the month.

Town season-ticket holders have been reminded that they have until 5pm today to reserve their seat for next Wednesday’s second leg.

Around 7,500 tickets for that game have been sold.