Kilmarnock FC News

Stark adds new faces for Luxembourg test
Sunday, 11 November 2012


Scotland Interim National Coach Billy Stark has called-up a hat-trick of international debutants for Wednesday’s International Challenge Match against Luxembourg.

Kilmarnock’s Liam Kelly, Hibernian’s Leigh Griffiths and Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s Andrew Shinnie have all had their club form recognised after a series of weekend withdrawals.

Scotland will be without nine players from the original squad: James Morrison (groin), Phil Bardsley (hamstring), Steven Fletcher (ankle), Shaun Maloney (abdominal), Charlie Adam (groin), Matt Phillips (toe), Barry Bannan (knee), David Marshall (groin), Jamie Mackie (ankle).

However, Billy has used the opportunity to introduce fresh talent to the A squad. Kelly, Griffiths and Shinnie have been joined by Paul Dixon, the Huddersfield Town full back, and Craig Samson, the St Mirren goalkeeper.

“Obviously at this stage of the season, with players playing weekend and midweek, niggles and strains and withdrawals are to be expected,” said the national coach. “This match gives us an opportunity to look at players who maybe have not been had experience of the international set-up but who have been in tremendous form at their clubs.

“Leigh has been excellent for Hibernian and scored again yesterday. I know him from the under-21s and he is a talented player. Liam has been terrific for Kilmarnock and it is fitting that he gets an opportunity, while Andrew has been a real inspiration behind Inverness’s success so far this season.

“I wanted to keep the under-21 squad as settled as possible because they have a tough game against Portugal, and I know what the more experienced players who have not made the squad are capable of at this level so there is an element of experimentation to the additions.”


Out: James Morrison (groin), Phil Bardsley (hamstring), Steven Fletcher (ankle), Shaun Maloney (abdominal), Charlie Adam (groin), Matt Phillips (toe), Barry Bannan (knee), David Marshall (groin), Jamie Mackie (ankle).

In: Paul Dixon, Craig Samson, Andrew Shinnie, Liam Kelly, Leigh Griffiths.

Kilmarnock appeal against Cammy Bell red card upheld
Kilmarnock have had their appeal against the red card shown to goalkeeper Cammy Bell upheld.

The keeper was sent off after being judged to have fouled Ross Draper in the penalty box during last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Inverness CT.

The Ayrshire side lodged an appeal against the decision made by referee Euan Norris.

Beill will be available to face Ross County at Rugby Park on Saturday.

Billy McKay's converted spot-kick proved to be the winner at Rugby Park.

Killie boss Kenny Shiels, who made an official complaint about the conduct of Norris, believed Bell was treated harshly.