Kilmarnock are looking only upwards following their win over Hibernian on the opening day of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, writes Chris Tait. Last season the Rugby Park side were ravaged by injuries but manager Jim Jefferies has the luxury of starting this campaign with only a few absentees and is looking to carry on the early momentum generated by beating Hibs into tomorrow's match against St Mirren.

Kilmarnock are looking only upwards following their win over Hibernian on the opening day of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, writes Chris Tait. Last season the Rugby Park side were ravaged by injuries but manager Jim Jefferies has the luxury of starting this campaign with only a few absentees and is looking to carry on the early momentum generated by beating Hibs into tomorrow's match against St Mirren.

"It's a good squad," said Jefferies. "Donovan Simmons joined us this morning and Allan Russell is due to come back into full training next week so we've got about four strikers, which gives us good options in those areas.

"The signing of Manuel Pascali has been a plus, though he is a bit behind the others with fitness, and it was a great bit of business to keep Mehdi Taouil.

"Some of the older guys might find they're not playing but if we can keep them beyond the transfer window, they'll have to fight for a place in the team".

Kilmarnock finished second bottom of the league on just 40 points last term, but Jefferies feels a top six place is not out of the question this time round.

"We should be looking to challenge for a top six place but I think the time to take stock will be in ten or twelve games time when we've had a chance to see everybody," he said.

Of tomorrow's trip to Love Street, Jefferies added: "St Mirren are a team that are always looking to improve, who look well organised and it's their first home game so they'll be looking for the result."