Source: Team_Talk
Big things expected from Eremenko
Mixu Paatelainen hailed debutant Alexei Eremenko for his rapid transition to the pace of Scottish football as Kilmarnock beat St Mirren 2-1.[LNB] The Finland midfielder's 56th-minute free-kick proved decisive in Saturday's SPL encounter at Rugby Park, securing the three points for his compatriot Paatelainen.[LNB]"I'm delighted with Alexei. He played well and scored the winning goal so it was a fantastic debut for him," Paatelainen said of the 27-year-old, who has been signed on a season-long loan from Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv after having spent another loan stint in his homeland with FC Jaro.[LNB]"I think the supporters realise his skill on the ball, his awareness, and his passing ability. He can also score goals, I know that, so hopefully he can carry it on.[LNB]"I spoke to him about his fitness and told him the pace of the game here is much faster. He has played half a season in Finland on loan, where the pace is more continental.[LNB]"Any foreigner coming here after 20 minutes, they are gasping for air so it isn't easy for anyone, but he'll get more used to the tempo."[LNB]Paatelainen is optimistic that James Dayton's knee injury will not prove serious, the midfielder carried off in the second half having earlier opened the scoring.[LNB]He added: "It's too early to say about James's knee, but hopefully it's nothing too serious. He's another fantastic player who can produce goals.[LNB]"It wasn't the tackle - it was just an awkward situation. Hopefully it's nothing big, so fingers crossed.[LNB]"He's a very bright player with a good skill level. He's quick and we've been encouraging him to shoot more because he's been scoring goals like that on the training ground."[LNB]St Mirren manager Danny Lennon will review the video evidence before deciding on how to punish Paul McGowan for his 63rd-minute red card.[LNB]The on-loan Celtic forward was ordered off after an off-the-ball altercation with Kilmarnock's Manuel Pascali, and Lennon suspects the decision was the right one.[LNB]He said: "We got ourselves back into the game. It looked game on at 1-1, but wee McGowan then gives us an uphill battle. I cannot comment on the incident because I haven't seen it, but by all accounts he's thrown a punch.[LNB]"We then had to change things and we probably showed more fight with 10 men than 11, but couldn't get enough quality into the box.[LNB]"I'll have to see the incident. Until he's proven guilty I can't comment on whether he will be fined, but the officials have definitely seen something there.[LNB]"I'll look at the tape and we'll deal with that internally."
