Hamilton 0-0 Kilmarnock: New boss Locke gets Johnston backing
Last updated on .From the section Scottish Premiership
Kilmarnock interim manager Gary Locke revealed he has predecessor Allan Johnston's blessing in chasing the job on a permanent basis.
Locke watched his side take a point against Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park.
The match's main talking point was the penalty claim Accies had when Manuel Pascali felled Danny Redmond with time running out.
"That was a big shout for a penalty for them," Locke told BBC Scotland.
"Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. We possibly might have had a penalty first half."
The former Hearts boss was referring to a challenge on Tope Obadeyi, which referee Alan Muir ruled was outside the box.
Overall, Locke was content with a draw and highlighted a much "livelier" performance in a second half during which Obadeyi and Josh Magennis went close with headed chances.
"The clean sheet is a big positive for us, we've not had enough of them this season," he said.
"Enormous credit to the boys as it's been a difficult few days. I was really disappointed about Allan leaving.
"He said he would like me to stay here and try and take the opportunity - that's just a mark of Allan, really. He wasn't only the manager here but is a close friend. That result today was for him."
Hamilton player-manager Martin Canning was adamant his side deserved the spot-kick.
"We had a stone-wall penalty turned down," he claimed.
"It was probably a sending-off if he gives the penalty and you probably win the game. At the minute we're not getting those wee breaks.
"They can only call it as they see it but obviously for us it's disappointing."
Canning is still looking for a win since taking over as Accies boss but feels the recent two draws are showing things are improving again.
"Our shape was good, we had a high line at the back, we won a lot of second balls and did everything but score," he added.
"It's disappointing not to have taken six points from the last two weeks because performance-wise we've probably deserved it.
"On another day we'll get the rub of the green and win - I can't wait for that day to be honest."
