Locke Backs Samson To Bounce Back

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Kilmarnock boss Gary Locke insists keeper Craig Samson is right to see himself as a number one - even though he brought in Jamie MacDonald to replace him.

The former Ayr United and St Mirren goalkeeper agreed to tear up his Rugby Park contract on Thursday after it was made clear summer signing MacDonald was Locke's new first choice.

Samson is now free to move elsewhere and Locke believes he will have little trouble finding a new club.

He said: "I'm the type of manager who will never stand in a player's way if they want to move and get football.

"I brought Jamie in during the summer and obviously I brought him here to play.

"But Craig came in to speak to me and told me he wanted to play. He sees himself as a number one and so he should because he's a great goalkeeper.

"So we came to an agreement and Craig is now free to find himself another club.

"There's no hard feelings and we wish him all the best."

MacDonald is now the man in possession of Killie's number one jersey but his debut could not have ended in any worse fashion.

Dundee thumped the Ayrshire outfit 4-0 on the opening day of the Ladbrokes Premiership and the prospects for Locke's side could now look much worse, with a trip to Aberdeen on Sunday followed by the visit of champions Celtic on Wednesday.

"The boys are hurting after last weekend," said Locke.

"It was just one of those days when we couldn't pass five yards to one another.

"But I know my players well enough to know they can play much, much better.

"I believe I've brought in some experienced players who have improved the squad and if we can go up to Aberdeen on Sunday and show our true capabilities then I've every confidence we can get a result."