Source: FOOTYMAD
Killie Add Two To The Squad
Mixu Paatelainen looked to the continent to augment his squad. Killie have brought in two new players in the form of Swedish full-back Billy Berntsson and French midfielder Benjamin Laurant. Mixu Paatelainen has persuaded both players to sign two-and-a-half-year contracts with Berntsson coming from GIF Sundsvall in the Swedish second tier while Laurant had been released by Ligue 2 side Le Havre but did have some time win British football with Plymouth Argyle. The manager said: "Billy Berntsson is a full-back who is very positive and he gives us cover in the defensive area, on the right and left-hand sides. We've also added another player to the squad, Benjamin Laurant, a French midfielder. We feel he is a skilful player who can make things happen and also give us plenty of cover for the midfield positions." Paatelainen moved quickly after left-back Ben Gordon headed back to Chelsea after his loan came to an end and skipper Craig Bryson suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out for four to six weeks. Paatelainen, who will also have Jamie Hamill missing for the visit of St Johnstone on Saturday through suspension, said: "We're disappointed Craig won't be available to us but the other players will get a chance to come in and show how good they are. I see them every day in training and I think they can do the job." There is still hope beating in Paatelainen's heart that on-loan midfielder Alexei Eremenko will stay for the rest of the season despite interest in the Metalist Kharkiv player, with the Ukrainian club looking to sell this month. Paatelainen said: "There have been English scouts, German scouts, Italian scouts, Spanish scouts and scouts from everywhere. But there is no news." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba.net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba.net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net
