Mixu Paatelainen believes Kilmarnock will have their done their job as a club if their most talented players depart during the January transfer window.
Goals from Craig Bryson, Liam Kelly and Jamie Hamill gave Killie a deserved 3-1 victory over Inverness on Wednesday night, moving the Ayrshire side up to fourth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table.
"Obviously, I would look to keep my better players because we want to maintain the progress we are making, but that is the nature of football," said Paatelainen.
"Players come and players go. Should that happen then we would look to bring in more players and look to develop them as well."
While Paatelainen contemplates possible departures at Kilmarnock, Caley Thistle boss Terry Butcher is looking to bolster his squad when the window opens next month.
Despite Richie Foran halving the deficit against Killie to give Inverness late hope, the loss was their second home defeat in four days as 2010 ended on a disappointing note for the Highland capital side.
Having impressed this season following promotion from the Scottish First Division, Butcher believes his squad needs adding to as Caley Thistle approach the new year looking to maintain their position in the top half of the SPL table.
"I think we are at a stage now where we have to reflect just where we have come from in the last two years," he said.
"In order to help us do that it may be the case that we need to bring in a couple of fresh faces just to lift everyone.
"Perhaps we just need that little bit of a kick-start and to bring players in that would guarantee us a bit more energy, enthusiasm and passion."
Source: PA
