LEIGH GRIFFITHS wasn't even in the Hibernian squad, but it took until the last minute for his presence to fade at Rugby Park last night.

THERE is a group of eager youngsters at Kilmarnock sharing first-team experience, but also how best to articulate it.

THE sight of a fan receiving emergency treatment at the side of the park is always traumatic but it has an added grim resonance for Kilmarnock football club.

Leigh Griffiths will have to wait until tomorrow night to discover if he has won the Cheque Centre PFA Scotland Player and Young Player of the Year awards, but he seemed happy enough to offer a preview of his acceptance speech yesterday.

THE war of words between Neil Lennon and Kenny Shiels escalated yesterday when the Celtic manager described his Kilmarnock counterpart as "an unconscious comedian" in the mould of David Brent and questioned whether he had a "personal agenda" against the Parkhead club.

Russell Anderson is not one to seek excuses for the dismal season that he and his Aberdeen team-mates have experienced, but he recognises the club's glory days will most likely never return.

HEARTS have become accustomed to making the most of bad situations.

KILMARNOCK hope to blood more of their promising young players in the five matches that remain this season.

KILMARNOCK have come to look at the Scottish Premier League table in hindsight.

KILMARNOCK went out to prove they were fit for a higher purpose, only to be halted by a rebel without a cause in the shape of St Mirren.

KRIS BOYD may have lasted just 77 minutes on the Global Energy Stadium sandpit on Saturday, but it was enough time for the Kilmarnock striker to find his feet.

EVENTS in Novi Sad on Tuesday night left most Scots shifting uncomfortably, although Kris Boyd may simply have been moving into position.

DOUBT shrouded only the scoreline; the outcome was rarely in question.

The dreaded phrase "it's Hibernian's year" is being trotted out again.