Killie FC's Antipodean players celebrate

Nov 20 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

THERE is no doubt which Killie players had the bragging rights on the training pitch this week.

While Scotland suffered humiliation in Wales, New Zealander Steven Old was celebrating his country’s qualification for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa, with Danny Invincibile’s Australian mates having qualified earlier.

What an incentive then for these two players in the weeks ahead in the lead-up to their respective coaches naming their 23-strong squads.

But it’s a venue closer to home that will be the focus of their attention on Saturday as Killie head for the Ibrox cauldron and a meeting with second top Rangers.

The teams have already drawn 0-0 at Rugby Park back in September, a match from which, arguably, Jim Jefferies’ side could have taken all three points, but it’s likely to be a lot more difficult this time around.

Said the gaffer: “I thought we did well against them in that match, but we know it will be a different type of game when we go there.

“It’s all about making sure that we're well prepared and play to our strengths. We must be well organised and take any chance that comes our way.

“We'll certainly have a positive attitude and look to take something from the game.”

Even a draw there would be a massive result, for things are getting very tight indeed at the bottom.

St Johnstone, Killie and Hamilton are all on nine points with basement club Falkirk four points behind, but Falkirk and Hamilton meet at the New Falkirk Stadium this weekend, so there is likely to be some movement at the bottom of the league.

Kille and Falkirk both share the record of having the lowest goals-for tally in the SPL, having scored only eight each in 11 starts.

So it’s a plus for Jefferies for the weekend that he has a choice who to play up front alongside Kevin Kyle.

The big striker came off the bench early in the second half against Wales to replace James McFadden, and while the result was grossly disappointing, his confidence will have been boosted by his recall to the international scene.

So who will partner him in attack at Ibrox?

Both Allan Russell and Mark Burchill will come into the frame. They notched a goal apiece in last Friday’s closed doors match against Hearts in Edinburgh, youngster Murray Doyle grabbing the third.

Said Jefferies: “It was a good work out for those players who haven't been playing regularly, with both Allan and Mark getting a full 90 minutes.

“Hearts had a fairly strong side on the field with four or five guys with lots of first team experience, so it was a good workout.”

Another closed doors match was arranged for Tuesday against Partick Thistle at Firhill, so the two strikers, along with Conor Sammon, will be watched closely by the manager as he settles on his strike pairing.

Tuesday’s game also saw a return to action for defender Simon Ford, with Jefferies planning to give him at least 45 minutes on the field as he fights his way back to fitness.

That leaves only Tim Clancy and Alan Combe as long-term injured.

Neither player is yet back in training, with physio Alex MacQueen keeping a close eye on their route back to fitness.