Allan Russell endured a nightmare debut year at Kilmarnock. A knee injury delayed his Clydesdale Bank Premier League debut until November and he then damaged his cruciate ligament in March.

The former Hamilton and St Mirren player said: "I won't be back for the beginning of the season but I should be back round about the end of October.

"I think I only played nine or 10 games last season so I will put that behind me and batter on this season."

The 28 year old had not played in the SPL before after several years in England with the likes of Mansfield and Macclesfield.

"I think it makes you stronger as a person if you have had to wait a little time to get it," he said.

"I came in and scored a few goals so I'm hungry to do that again.

"I was just getting close to match fit when this happened so I don't think the Killie fans have seen the best of me yet."