Source: Team_Talk
Paatelainen confident in squad
Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen is optimistic he has enough cover to replace David Silva and James Dayton when Celtic visit Rugby Park.[LNB] And he hinted that a more defensive approach was needed against a Celtic side whose wide men, Shaun Maloney, James Forrest and Paddy McCourt, have been the most effective attacking tool for Neil Lennon so far this season.[LNB]Dayton damaged a cruciate ligament after netting a superb goal in Kilmarnock's 2-1 win over St Mirren last weekend while Silva is sidelined on a short-term basis with a calf problem.[LNB]The two summer signings have been crucial to the promising start made to Paatelainen's reign, which has seen Killie win three matches in succession.[LNB]But the likes of Danny Invincibile and Mehdia Taouil can fill in for the injured wingers while Finland international Alexei Eremenko is versatile enough to play wide. And Garry Hay could come in at left midfield as Paatelainen looks to snuff out the threat posed by the Scottish Premier League leaders.[LNB]Paatelainen said: "It gives you the offensive side to the game if you play exciting players on the wings and players who can pass the ball properly.[LNB]"The key to it is the movement and we practise that all the time.[LNB]"Of course these players, James Dayton and David Silva, are out-and-out wingers and they are exciting players, technically gifted, and can go past a player.[LNB]"We hope the players that come in can do that for us as well. But this match is a little bit different as well because we face Celtic, who are very, very offensive, especially in the wide areas. So we must defend well.[LNB]"We want to make sure who comes in for those positions are not only good going forward but also solid defensively because you can go too offensive against a quality team like Celtic."[LNB]The Finn's attacking options have been boosted this week by the signing of Portuguese centre-forward Rui Miguel, who was released by CSKA Sofia last month.[LNB]"I always wanted to improve that position in the team and I feel Rui will do that," Paatelainen said. "I think he will improve our link-up play up front. He is a striker who has played top level.[LNB]"He has European experience under his belt so I feel he is a good acquisition to the squad."
