Kilmarnock have gone on the defensive over Celtic claims that Hoops star Shunsuke Nakamura was targeted for rough treatment during last weeks Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final clash. Celtic midfielder Scott Brown claimed some of the tackling on the Japan international had been "ridiculous."

But Killie's number two Billy Brown, speaking in his Daily Record column, said: "It seems to me they are never happy.

"They have all the money, get all the best players and win trophies as well.

"Now they don't even want us to tackle them. Are we supposed to sit back and allow them to walk all over us?

"It was a cheap shot (by Brown) and way out of order.

"I watched the entire game again and in my eyes there was only one bad tackle - David Lilley on Scott McDonald.

"Nakamura claimed he could hardly stand up - and yet I'm sure I saw him warm up at Tynecastle on Sunday. To me that means he isn't injured.

"It is time someone stood up for Kilmarnock Football Club.

"Two seasons ago David Fernandez was on the receiving end of a really bad Gary Caldwell tackle.

"Nobody at Killie condemned Gary but David was out for 18 months with an appalling injury that almost finished his career.

"Nakamura was fit enough to be on the bench four days later. Notice any difference?"