Souley’s style can help Hurl us up the table

ALLAN JENKINS is hoping a little of Souleymane Coulibaly’s magic can rub off on Hurlford United as they look to climb up the West Premier league table.

Former Morton, Gretna and Stranraer ace Jenkins knew the Ayrshire side had a reputation for attracting big names to the juniors when he joined back in July.

But even he has been starstruck by ex-Kilmarnock fans’ favourite Coulibaly’s appearance in training.

The Ivorian – who joined Al Ahly in a £1million deal from Killie in January – may only be using the junior side’s facilities to keep fit while he awaits a resolution to his controversial exit from the Egyptian club.

But Jenkins said: “Wee Souley has been in for a few weeks and has been great. He’s down to earth and has joined in with the group really well.

“You could say he’s been getting his own wee preseason, an introduction to junior football training, but he’s working really hard.

“You can see the quality he has, his finishing and link-up play are excellent and you just have to type his name into YouTube to see the quality of the goals he can score.

“You don’t pay a million quid for a player if he doesn’t have a touch of class.

“It’s a pity he isn’t allowed to turn out as a trialist for us. In all seriousness, it’s a shame for the guy he can’t play at any level of football because all he wants to do is get on the pitch.”

Hurlford host Rob Roy in today’s only Premier League fixture. Darren Henderson’s men sit a lowly eighth, 12 points off leaders Beith, but with two games in hand.

Jenkins added: “We’ve not scored enough goals and we really could do with a few more points on the board.

“I’ve been impressed with the standard in the Premier League as I wasn’t sure what to expect after playing senior all my career.

“It’s very competitive. You could throw a blanket over most teams, they’re that close.”