Kilmarnock will have to be on their guard tomorrow when they come up against former striker Kevin van Veen – because despite failing to find the net for the Rugby Park side, assistant boss Paul Sheerin insists the Dutchman showed just how good he is every day in training.
The former Motherwell man arrived on deadline day at the end of the winter transfer window but was seen as a flop in Ayrshire as he played just 218 minutes for the club.
But the 33-year-old will be desperate to show he remains a top talent and could make his St Mirren debut against his old team on Saturday.
Sheerin admitted the striker’s time in the blue and white stripes didn’t exactly go as planned, but said his presence did push both Kyle Vassell and Marley Watkins to even greater heights and credited the Dutchman for helping Killie land a Europa League spot.
Sheerin said: “I think Kev’s a brilliant talent and he showed that on the training ground.
“What happened when Kev came in is Marley and Vassell. Whether they took the challenge of Kevin coming in or it just happened that they hit a brilliant bit of form, it was difficult for him to get in the team and show any consistency with that because of how good they two were.
“So it became a bit more difficult for him in that sense. But we are fully aware of the quality he possesses, whether he starts or comes on as a sub against us, you know that there’s a threat at the top end of the pitch, which they have anyway.
“They have that in abundance with Ayunga, Olusanya and big Mandron – you know how much of a threat they can be at the top end of the pitch.
“So Kev just adds that for St Mirren really, he’s a good addition to their squad.”
He added: “You can bring a player in and to the outside world, it might not look like they’ve been a success, but if he’s done enough to push those two to score the goals to get you into Europe, then it’s been an indirect success.
“When a player of that quality comes into your club, other players sink or swim and fortunately for us, Marley and Vass, their response to him coming in was outstanding.”