AT least some of the uncertainty currently surrounding Kilmarnock could be cleared up by the beginning of next week with chairman Michael Johnston hopeful of appointing a new manager before the players report back on Monday.

Allan Johnston, the Queen of the South manager, is to hold more talks with the Rugby Park club upon his return from a family holiday but is just one of several managers in the frame to replace Kenny Shiels. Both Henning Berg, the former Blackburn Rovers manager, and Sheffield United coach David Unsworth have been linked with the post but it is thought Johnston is the favoured option.

"I'm still hoping to have someone in place when the players return for testing," said Michael Johnston. "Our pre-season training schedule starts the week after and it's important we have someone in place before that.

"We have a number of candidates under consideration, all possessing different attributes. We have received 40 applications, some from older candidates who have worked at some very big clubs across Europe but are looking for a change of scene. Others are UK-based and younger. They are just starting out but have good coaching credentials. Allan would fall into that latter category.

"Allan's only been in management a year but has proved himself by winning the second division and also beating Rangers at Ibrox. He's a former Kilmarnock player and knows the Scottish scene. He knows how to work with a tight budget and young players and he's ambitious. We are looking for a long-term relationship but I know that ambitious managers will want to try it out down south. We have frequently seen managers move from the SPL to England."

"We've been in discussions about this for a couple of weeks. The player is keen for the chance to move on," said Michael Johnston. "They have Champions League coming up and believe he can boost their chances. It's now up to Cillian and the club to agree terms and complete the deal. Obviously he was not involved in the team much towards the latter part of the season and he has decided this is the best option for his career."

The Irishman began his career at Celtic and played overseas with CSKA Sofia. Sheridan moved to Bulgaria in 2010, following loans at Motherwell, Plymouth and St Johnstone, before returning to join first St Johnstone again, then Kilmarnock.