Praise for Fernandez after great shift for Killie

Jan 2 2009 by Stef Lach, Kilmarnock Standard

DAVID Fernandez put in the mother of all shifts at Easter Road as he led the Killie line all on his own.

The nippy Spaniard worked his socks off as he was handed the considerable task of playing as a lone striker. And according to his gaffer Jim Jefferies, Fernandez played an absolute blinder.

After Alan Combe’s sending off, Killie looked in danger of surrendering the points, having thrown away a two-goal advantage.

But Fernandez provided the focal point for much of the team’s attacking play, and they grabbed two second-half goals to seal the victory.

Jefferies said: “That was the best performance I’ve ever seen from anyone playing up front on his own. David was immense.

“His workrate and determination to get on the end of things was superb.

“I sat down my players after the game and said in my seven years here I had never seen a better performance, considering everything that went on out there.”

The boss planted a kiss on his hero as he substituted him just before full time to allow him the standing ovation his performance deserved.

But Fernandez admitted he enjoys a kiss and cuddle with all of his team mates when things are going well.

He said: “I kiss every guy on the team, so it’s not like it’s new for me. It was a great team performance and the manager was delighted.

“Playing up front on your own, you have to cover all the way across the field and come back to help the midfield.

“It’s hard work but I enjoyed it. We started really well and frustrated Hibs by scoring twice.

“We held the ball up really well and created chances, but in those mad 10 minutes before half time, I thought we’d blown it again.”

The performance of his squad, and Fernandez in particular, will fill Jefferies with confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to Falkirk where three points will certainly be the target.