Jefferies delight at Kyle call-up

Kyle is back in the Scotland squad after impressing at Kilmarnock

Jim Jefferies told Kevin Kyle if he signed for Kilmarnock he would force his way back into the Scotland set up and is delighted to be proved right.

The striker has been called up for the 14 November friendly against Wales.

The former Sunderland striker has been a revelation since joining Killie in January, scoring 15 goals in 21 games.

"It shows what I said to him meant something and it's been proved by him getting selected," said Kilmarnock manager Jefferies.

Kyle won the last of his nine caps in a 1-0 defeat to Denmark in April 2004 and Jefferies delighted he will be given the chance to prove he can cut it on the international stage once again.

"When I tried to convince him to come here, I told him if he did well and adapted to the Scottish game then he would be in the eye of the Scotland manager and have a chance of the Scotland squad again," said Jefferies.

George has shown if you're doing well, it doesn't matter what club you're with, you'll get a chance Jim Jeffries

"It's happened to work out for him that way. It's good when you use that as a selling tool that it comes to fruition."

Injuries prevented Kyle adding to his international cap tally earlier this season.

The 28-year-old was forced to withdraw for the squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Netherlands after undergoing surgery to clear up a knee injury.

Then, after being initially overlooked for the squad for the friendly in Japan, Burley turned to Kyle after being hit by call-offs, but once again injury meant the forward was unable to join up with the squad.

Jefferies is keeping his fingers crossed Kyle comes through Kilmarnock's Scottish Premier League clash with Dundee United this weekend unscathed.

"Hopefully, Kevin will make it and won't be as unlucky as last time, when he had to pull out through injury. He'll be looking to get through the game on Saturday and, if he gets through it, it will be good that he's finally made it.

"We were a bit surprised he was left out of the original squad for the Japan game, but that's George's selection. Since then, he's banged in a couple of goals, he's always been a threat and is deserving of his chance."

Jefferies hopes Kyle's Killie team-mates also receive a boost from his call-up.

"George has shown if you're doing well, it doesn't matter what club you're with, you'll get a chance," added Jefferies.

"That's the challenge to everyone at this club. We're just delighted Kevin is in and he's a handful for any defence, as other managers will tell you."