Deuchar set for return

Striker Kenny Deuchar will make his much anticipated return to action this weekend when Gretna travel to Rugby Park for the first time.

The profilic goalscorer is back with the Borderers after a successful three-month loan spell with St Johnstone, where he scored 10 goals in 14 appearances for the First Division side.

And with playmaker Fabian Yantorno serving a one-match suspension, Deuchar is set to make his first start in the SPL against Killie.

“Kenny will come straight back into the side,” said Head Coach Davie Irons.

“It would be foolish of me not to involve him. He went to St Johnstone, scored goals and has come back full of confidence, raring to go.”

“Kenny will tell you he’s never lacked confidence but there can be nothing better for a striker than playing and scoring goals on a regular basis.”

“He’s desperate to try and prove himself in the SPL so it’s a good opportunity for him and I hope he does well for us.”

“We’re not scoring goals and that’s been a real problem for us this season.”

“Hopefully Kenny can improve on that but we are also conceding too easily at the other end, and that’s something we can’t afford to do in our position.”

Gretna will be without veteran striker James Grady for the trip to Ayrshire after he picked a minor knock in training.

He joins injured duo Martin Canning and Abdul Osman, who are on the road to recovery from respective ankle and back problems. They both featured in the 4-1 friendly win over Morton on Monday but are still a few weeks away from a full return.