Lee McCulloch doesn't particularly want to be Kilmarnock manager but will he still be offered the job?

And his cryptic clue about who he turned to for advice when asked to step up when Gary Locke was sacked was not so much cryptic but bleeding obvious.

Speaking in riddles and a few good results might just get him the job. Whether he would take it remains to be seen.

McCulloch gives off the impression that a week or so of being a manager has been an enjoyable challenge but one he would rather put behind him soon enough, once the club appoint Graham Alexander, Lee Clark or whoever.

Mind you, if he can guide the team to a win at Fir Park, which would take Kilmarnock out of the play-off place, and then beat Rangers on Tuesday in a Scottish Cup replay, he might just get the job at least on a part-time basis.

“It’s far from easy getting up at 6am and getting home at 6pm at night,” said McCulloch. “It’s something I’ve not been used to, but, to be honest, I’ve loved it. I’m enjoying the experience, while well aware we have to professional and work hard to get a result at the weekend.

"I wouldn’t say I’ve got a taste for it. I’m learning as I go and I still see myself as an apprentice in the management world. I’m enjoying it, but as you get closer to match days, you get the nerves.”

McCulloch did not expect to be given two games, and most probably three, as manager but he does understand why Kilmarnock's board of directors are taking their time.

Too many mistakes have been made in recent times and with relegation once again a real possibility, no more chance can be taken.

McCulloch agreed and said: “Why would the club rush to bring in the wrong guy? They have to make sure it’s the right man who comes in.

“I’ve spoken to them briefly and said I would take it a day at a time. They asked me to take charge again for the Motherwell match and I don’t know anything after that. I can see why the club would take their time.

“I’m not looking at it as if I’m pushing my case. I’ve spoken to them at length about my views on it and they are aware of it. Could I take it to the end of the season? I’m not even looking that far - just Saturday - with hopefully a point or three in the bag.”

And you don’t get a prize for guessing who McCulloch is talking about here.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of experienced managers,” he said. “One of them said they were an assistant for 15 years before being put into a manager’s job and he said at that point: I’m still not ready.

“So when do you know when you are ready? I’m just day at a time. I’m not saying I’m ready and I’m not saying I’m not.”

If you didn’t get that it was Walter Smith then have a look at yourself.

McCulloch did get a reaction from his players last Saturday when they worked hard for their draw at Ibrox. The trick now, and this has alluded them since August, is putting together two good performances in a row.

“It was pleasing to get the reaction we got at Ibrox from the players with the work rate and effort for each other,” he said. “They were organised and showed passion and commitment.

“This week has been all about making complacency the word. We went to Celtic Park earlier in the season and drew 0-0, the followed it up with a heavy home defeat to Partick Thistle. That, for me, is down to complacency and it cannot happen again.

“Momentum is something we haven’t had this season. Consistent form has eluded us. We spoke in the dressing room about looking at nothing and not taking our focus away from Motherwell. They’ll be loads of names of possible managers come out I’m sure, so it’s important we stay looking at the game and ready to be positive.

“Only hard work and desire will get us anything. We need to apply ourselves against a well-organised team with an experienced manager. Complacency is a poison.”

There he goes again, speaking like a manager.