KILLIE chairman Michael Johnston has reacted angrily to claims that Steven Naismith's health has been affected by the ongoing transfer saga with Rangers.
Naisy's agent, Andrew McCormick, suggested the player was sick with worry and was unable to sleep after Kilmarnock knocked back a further offer from the Ibrox club.
But Johnston has slammed these suggestions and also denied there was any rift between him and manager Jim Jefferies.
The chairman said: "Steven Naismith has been in regular contact with Jim Jefferies about the situation and I have had a couple of meetings with him myself.
"These are all been very amicable and Steven has put his point of view across to us and I've explained club's position to him.
"Steven has said himself that he thought the club should hold out for the right price and that's what we're doing.
"There is no truth in the suggestions that he's desperately unhappy and can't concentrate properly because of all this.
"In fact, he has got in touch with the manager to strongly refute comments in the press that have been attributed to him.
"The other claims that there is some sort of disagreement between myself and Jim Jefferies are utter nonsense.
"I spoke to him last night and we're both of the same mind on how we should proceed."
The Standard tried to contact Naismith himself but the player said he did not want to comment. Johnston said Naismith's conduct throughout this whole saga has been typical of the player.
"He's sensible and mature enough to realise that it's maybe not the best time for him to move club and also that he's got to treat Kilmarnock with respect," added the chairman.
"I think he is very disappointed with some of the things that have been said on his behalf. He's never came out and said he desperately wants to move.
"I think the best place for him to Develop is at Kilmarnock"