Kris Boyd needs help up front, says Kilmarnock boss Lee McCulloch

Kilmarnock boss Lee McCulloch will never write off Kris Boyd - but admits his main striker needs help up front.

The former Rangers frontman cut a frustrated figure as Killie edged past Clyde 4-2 in Tuesday night's Betfred Cup clash at Rugby Park.

His old Ibrox team-mate has seen Boyd do the business far too many times to bet against him rediscovering his form, but McCulloch confessed he needs to find someone who can help bring the best out of the Scottish Premiership's all-time top scorer.

McCulloch - who handed Chris Burke his debut just two hours after completing the winger's signing - said: “We're hoping to get another three or four in. I think Kris needs some help up front.

“He was unlucky not to get his goal tonight but he's still a strong enough character to plod away.

“When you've got a guy who is the record scorer in Scotland it would be foolish to write him off.

“Everybody concentrates on what he can't do - but for me it's concentrating on what he can do.”

Killie got their hopes of advancing from Group E back on track after Friday night's loss to Ayr thanks to doubles from Rory McKenzie and Dom Thomas.

They had looked in trouble for a spell when Darren Ramsay and Kevin Nicoll put the League Two minnows 2-1 ahead early in the first half.

However, McCulloch added: “I was never worried. We just gave away two horrendously bad goals. Again.

“The first goal was criminal but the second was even worse - a free header from a free-kick.

“We've worked on it every day but it's happened again. They are simple mistakes but silly mistakes, so we'll keep working on it.”

Clyde had Jordan Stewart sent off for a lunge on Adam Frizzell with 20 minutes left but boss Jim Chapman defended the midfielder, saying:

“When you put so much into the game you just want a fair crack of the whip.

“The only person who thought it was a red was the referee.

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