Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies believes Steven Naismith and Paul Di Giacomo are hitting form at the right time with the CIS Insurance Cup final against Hibernian at Hampden Park coming up next Sunday.

After falling behind to to a Markus Paatelainen header early in their Bank of Scotland Premier League clash against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Rugby Park on Saturday, Di Giacomo grabbed a double before Naismith's spectacular overhead kick gave Killie a two-goal cushion at the break.

Although Caley defender Darren Dods reduced the deficit two minutes after the interval, Jefferies' side held on tenaciously for the three points which all but secured their top six spot in the Bank of Scotland Premier League, the Ayrshire side needing just one point from their next three games.

And, looking ahead to next week, Jefferies admits Naismith and Di Giacomo will be important players at the national stadium as Kilmarnock seek to win their first trophy in 10 years.

He said: "Steven was terrific, especially in the first half. He was a constant problem to them and he topped it off with a great overhead kick for his goal.

"He also had great volley from Garry Hay's cross at the back post and Di Giacomo reacted ever so well to score his second.

"Di Giacomo set up two goals last week but he didn't just score two against Inverness, he worked that channel on the right hand side very well.

"But both have looked sharp in training for a couple of weeks now and the two wins in a row that we have had will help them.

"And if they can find their best form next week then we will have a chance."

Di Giacomo, whose season has been dogged with injury, looked forward to a Hampden appearance but denied the Killie players have had the trip to the national stadium on their mind in recent weeks.

He said: "We've remained focused recently because you know that if you don't play well in the league games then you have no chance of playing in the final.

"The first day of pre-season the manager said a top six finish was priority and the cups were a bonus so we have done what he asked.

"It will take a minor miracle for us not to make the top six now."

Inverness manager Charlie Christie, whose side have only taken one point from their three meeting with Kilmarnock this season, insisted his side were again unfortunate against the Rugby Park men.

He said: "We pinned Killie back for the vast majority of the second half.

"It was similar to the 1-1 draw earlier in the season and in fact, we could easily have won all three games against them this season.

"We were very close and it's so frustrating.

"But I couldn't have asked any more from my players."