French midfielder Benjamin Laurant joins Kilmarnock

Benjamin Laurant (r) tries to catch Nice forward Bamogo Habib

By John Barnes

Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen has boosted his squad by signing French midfielder Benjamin Laurant.

The 23-year-old, who was previously with Ligue 2 side Le Havre, had been training with the Rugby Park outfit.

In doing so, he impressed Paatelainen and has now signed a two-and-a-half year contract at the Ayrshire club.

This is a bonus for the Killie boss as he will be without the services of injured midfielder Craig Bryson for up to four weeks.

Bryson injured an ankle against Rangers on Monday and, although he could be out for a month, the player himself is hoping to be back sooner.

Jamie Hamill will also be missing for this week's match against St Johnstone as he is suspended.

Another new face at Kilmarnock is Swedish full-back Billy Berntsson, who has also agreed a two-and-a-half year deal after being freed by Sundsvall in his home country.

But fans may have to wait to see him in action as he has had a chest infection all week and will therefore have to be assessed if he is to be considered for the game on Saturday.

Kilmarnock lost Ben Gordon to Chelsea and Harry Forrester to Aston Villa after their loan terms ended last week.