Shiels has previous says compatriot

Scottish football is only now catching up, with Shiels in the spotlight once more as he nurses an ongoing feud with Scottish officials. "He's always been a bit outspoken," said Magennis. "I think all Northern Irish people are. If he's got an opinion he'll tell you and he says his piece. He won't keep something behind closed doors if he thinks it should be said.

"Some people like it, they prefer to hear straight talking, while others will want to beat around the bush. Personally, I prefer someone who speaks their mind. I think that's why I get on well with Archie Knox, our assistant manager, because he's up front.

"You have the manager on one hand trying to keep you upbeat but on the other there's Archie, who will just tell you straight if you've been rubbish. If you need a boost then the gaffer will do it but when you need a rocket up your bum then Archie delivers that.

"With Killie having Kenny and Jimmy Nicholl [the Kilmarnock assistant manager], another Northern Ireland man, if you need some confidence you'd better ring your mum or something."

Magennis, now in the final phase of his Pittodrie contract, is aware of the test the Rugby Park side will present as his side seek only their third home win of the season. The converted full-back is another player who has admired the style of play Kilmarnock have favoured under Shiels, while he believes his work at Rugby Park has also caught the attention of those back home.

"With more coverage on the telly people back home are starting to notice the other clubs a bit more," said Magennis. "There's always been interest in the Old Firm, but now people are maybe looking at the other Northern Irish players and managers more closely.

"People say social media is a bad thing but it's given more of a profile to clubs and players."

Shiels has had little problem in building up his profile this season. Aside from his comments on officials, the Kilmarnock manager also spoke archly last week about including the suspended Manuel Pascali in his team to face Celtic, having contested the decision to send the Italian off in the previous league match.

Given his dead-pan delivery there was some disappointment that Pascali was left out to serve his suspension, but Shiels is able to restore Pascali to his starting XI today. His combative qualities will prove useful against Aberdeen.

"We know it's going to be hard to go up there and get anything," said the Kilmarnock manager. "They've have been strong, committed, difficult to break down and really hard working."

ABERDEEN v KILMARNOCK Magennis had heard about Rugby Park manager before he saw him

Josh Magennis was a youngster in Northern Ireland when Kenny Shiels first came on to his radar. The pair never met but Magennis was still able to piece together an idea of what the Northern Ireland youth coach was like.

Scottish football is only now catching up, with Shiels in the spotlight once more as he nurses an ongoing feud with Scottish officials. "He's always been a bit outspoken," said Magennis. "I think all Northern Irish people are. If he's got an opinion he'll tell you and he says his piece. He won't keep something behind closed doors if he thinks it should be said.

"Some people like it, they prefer to hear straight talking, while others will want to beat around the bush. Personally, I prefer someone who speaks their mind. I think that's why I get on well with Archie Knox, our assistant manager, because he's up front.

"You have the manager on one hand trying to keep you upbeat but on the other there's Archie, who will just tell you straight if you've been rubbish. If you need a boost then the gaffer will do it but when you need a rocket up your bum then Archie delivers that.

"With Killie having Kenny and Jimmy Nicholl [the Kilmarnock assistant manager], another Northern Ireland man, if you need some confidence you'd better ring your mum or something."

Magennis, now in the final phase of his Pittodrie contract, is aware of the test the Rugby Park side will present as his side seek only their third home win of the season. The converted full-back is another player who has admired the style of play Kilmarnock have favoured under Shiels, while he believes his work at Rugby Park has also caught the attention of those back home.

"With more coverage on the telly people back home are starting to notice the other clubs a bit more," said Magennis. "There's always been interest in the Old Firm, but now people are maybe looking at the other Northern Irish players and managers more closely.

"People say social media is a bad thing but it's given more of a profile to clubs and players."

Shiels has had little problem in building up his profile this season. Aside from his comments on officials, the Kilmarnock manager also spoke archly last week about including the suspended Manuel Pascali in his team to face Celtic, having contested the decision to send the Italian off in the previous league match.

Given his dead-pan delivery there was some disappointment that Pascali was left out to serve his suspension, but Shiels is able to restore Pascali to his starting XI today. His combative qualities will prove useful against Aberdeen.

"We know it's going to be hard to go up there and get anything," said the Kilmarnock manager. "They've have been strong, committed, difficult to break down and really hard working."