Gary Wales is doubtful with a groin strain, while Craig Dargo's run of bad luck continues as he seems certain to miss out after picking up an ankle knock in training. New signing Allan Johnston played for ninety minutes in the reserves on Tuesday and is feeling a twinge in his groin, while Stevie Murray suffered a dead leg earlier in the week and hasn't fully recovered. Danny Invincibile strained his hamstring late on against Hibs and is rated extremely doubtful. Colin Nish completes the tale of woe after damaging his knee.
Typically for Killie, all the injuries have been suffered by attacking players, and it will be Friday before the management team knows who will be available for selection at the weekend. Nish is the only definite non-starter but Jefferies believes Invincibile, Wales, Dargo and Johnston have only once chance in four of being ready. Eighteen year old Steve Naismith may be called upon for his first Killie start.
The boss said "Dargs has been flying in training, and scored two goals in the reserves, so he was right in contention, but this game may come too early for Johnston. I would rather he missed one week and had him ready for the next games, than to risk him and end up losing him fo 5 or 6 weeks."
Jefferies has repeated his message to his troops that he gave before Celtic' s last visit. "I told them to make sure that if Celtic do win, make sure they've earned the victory, and that means you've worked hard and played well."
Gary Locke is relishing the champions visit. "They're a great side packed full of internationals and great players, but they are the games everyone wants to play in. When you've got them at home, it's a great chance to go out and get a result against them. All the boys are quietly confident. It'll be a difficult match, but we're thoroughly looking forward to it."