Source: Team_Talk
Mixu pleased with Killie depth
Mixu Paatelainen believes his Kilmarnock side are developing the strength in depth to maintain their promising start to the SPL season.[LNB] Kilmarnock have lost just once in their last six matches, against Celtic, despite being tipped to struggle after avoiding relegation on the final day of last season.[LNB]Despite some free-flowing football, Killie are still without a prolific outlet, but Paatelainen believes recent Portuguese signing Rui Miguel is on the verge of hitting the goal trail.[LNB]Miguel impressed last weekend after coming on to help Killie claw back a two-goal deficit against Hamilton - having a hand in both goals - and in a 4-1 victory over Ayr in Garry Hay's midweek testimonial.[LNB]Paatelainen, whose team host Dundee United in the SPL on Saturday, said: "Rui Miguel played well when he came on against Hamilton, he's strong, he's quick and he can hold the ball up.[LNB]"He played a very good game against Ayr on Tuesday. He gets into positions and is not afraid to shoot, and he's been scoring plenty of goals and showing us his potential in training.[LNB]"He was unlucky not to score in midweek, but his time will come."[LNB]Paatelainen has also assured Mehdi Taouil he will get his chance after being kept out of the team by Alexei Eremenko since returning from a double hernia operation.[LNB]The Moroccan netted two spectacular goals against Ayr after being challenged to prove his worth.[LNB]"There's a perfect example of players getting their chance," said Paatelainen.[LNB]"Mehdi is now back fully fit after his injuries and we said to him to show us what we're missing. He came on, played well and scored two very good goals, so he has staked his claim.[LNB]"I said to the boys that played on Tuesday: 'This is your chance to tell me you should be in the team'. And I'm pleased that they showed their desire and passion to be considered."[LNB]Former skipper Hay, who joined the club 18 years ago aged 15, has also struggled to get in the team but Paatelainen said: "Garry may have had his testimonial, but he's only just in his 30s, he's very important to us.[LNB]"Ben Gordon has played all of the games so far at left-back, but he's been playing well and training well.[LNB]"Garry offers us great cover there and in the midfield, and his experience is vital for us."
