Source: Team_Talk
Jefferies thrilled with Kyle call-up
And Killie boss Jefferies is thrilled is words have rung true as Kyle was called up by George Burley for next weekend's friendly in Wales.[LNB]Former Sunderland striker Kyle joined Killie in January after parting company with Coventry and has been a revelation for Jefferies' side, bagging 15 goals in just 21 games.[LNB]Kyle won the last of his nine caps in a 1-0 defeat to Denmark in April 2004 and Jefferies is delighted he will be given the chance to prove he can cut it on the international stage once again.[LNB]Jefferies said: "It's a big lift when you have someone representing their country.[LNB]"When I tried to convince him to come here, I told him if he did well and adapted to the Scottish game then he would be in the eye of the Scotland manager and have a chance of the Scotland squad again.[LNB]"It's happened to work out for him that way. It's good when you use that as a selling tool that it comes to fruition.[LNB]"It shows what I said to him meant something and it's been proved by him getting selected."[LNB]Injuries have prevented Kyle adding to his international cap tally earlier this season.[LNB]The 28-year-old was forced to withdraw for the squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Holland after undergoing surgery to clear up a knee injury.[LNB]Then, after being initially overlooked for the squad for the friendly in Japan, Burley turned to Kyle upon being hit by call-offs but once again injury meant the forward was unable to join up with the squad.[LNB]And Jefferies is keeping his fingers crossed Kyle comes through Kilmarnock's SPL clash with Dundee United this weekend unscathed.[LNB]He said: "Hopefully, Kevin will make it and won't be as unlucky as last time when he had to pull out through injury.[LNB]"He'll be looking to get through the game on Saturday and, if he gets through it, it will be good that he's finally made it.[LNB]"I'm sure he'll be a good option for George.[LNB]"He was unfortunate when he had to pull out when he required some surgery on his knee, then he had a clash in training when he was called into the Japan squad late.[LNB]"We were a bit surprised he was left out of the original squad for the Japan game but that's George's selection.[LNB]"They did have call-offs and called him up but again he was injured after missing the game on the Saturday for us.[LNB]"Since then he's banged in a couple of goals, he's always been a threat and is deserving of his chance."[LNB]Jefferies hopes Kyle's Killie team-mates also receive a boost from his call-up.[LNB]He said: "It gives the other players a lift but it's up to them. George has shown if you're doing well, it doesn't matter what club you're with, you'll get a chance.[LNB]"That's the challenge to everyone at this club. We're just delighted Kevin is in and he's a handful for any defence, as other managers will tell you."[LNB][LNB]
