Source: Team_Talk
Calderwood: Kyle crucial to Killie
Jimmy Calderwood believes Kevin Kyle can play a major role in securing Kilmarnock's SPL status as they prepare to step up their survival fight.[LNB] The big striker is widely credited for keeping Killie in the SPL this time last year when he bagged the goals that mattered.[LNB]The goals may not be flowing quite as freely this time around but, as far as Calderwood is concerned, he still has a big part to play in two games which will determine what division Kilmarnock will be playing their football in next term.[LNB]"He can have a massive part to play," said the Rugby Park boss.[LNB]"He has been doing well. He might not be getting the breaks in front of goal but he is still a big, big player in the all-round picture of the game.[LNB]"He gets a lot of stick and a lot of it isn't justified. He's a big lad and he can't hide anywhere but he has been absolutely brilliant for me and I've got no complaints about him whatsoever."[LNB]Kyle looks set to quit Killie when his contract expires this month regardless of whether they retain their top-flight status.[LNB]The 28-year-old revealed this week he has met with Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee to discuss a potential move to Pittodrie but, with other clubs reportedly interested in his services, Calderwood said: "I don't think that's a certainty.[LNB]"Kevin hasn't made up his mind, he's got a lot of different offers. The problem for us is that we can't give him an offer at this moment in time until we know where the club is going to be.[LNB]"It's in Kevin's best interests to talk to whoever he's got to talk to. We understand that and we've got no problem with that. His attitude has been spot-on and good luck to him whatever he decides to do."[LNB]Wednesday night's opponents, Aberdeen, briefly flirted with a relegation battle but have since managed to drag themselves out of the danger zone, although their form remains unconvincing.[LNB]And Calderwood admits he has been surprised by the fortunes of the club in the 12 months since he parted company with them.[LNB]"Amazed," he said.[LNB]"But that's football. I don't know why it has gone like that but I'm amazed that it has to be honest.[LNB]"But we know a lot of the boys up there and it's definitely not going to be easy, that's a certainty."[LNB]Defeat to St Johnstone at the weekend means Killie head into the penultimate game with only goal difference keeping them above bottom side Falkirk.[LNB]"It's always about bottle and character," Calderwood said.[LNB]"They are not hiding, they are still trying to do the right thing. They know they can play better but they are still trying to get on the ball and play football and win tackles. I can't complain about them.[LNB]"I'm not the easiest in the world and sometimes I'm not happy after winning games because I've not been happy with the performances.[LNB]"They have given me everything they've got and I can't ask for any more. I'm just hoping we can get the victories to keep us up."
