Burke: Spot of trouble won’t hold back Miller
CHRIS BURKE has tipped former Rangers team-mate Kenny Miller to bounce back from his agonising injury-time penalty miss and says he won’t be scared to step up for the next one.
Kilmarnock winger Burke watched team-mate Daniel Bachmann pull off a dramatic save as Dundee star Miller messed up from the spot with the last kick of the ball in Wednesday night’s 2-2 thriller.
Miller slumped to his knees in frustration knowing he’d blown a golden chance to give his side three precious points but Burke reckons his old Ibrox buddy won’t make the same mistake again.
Burke said: “Kenny’s been in the game long enough to know he’s missed them before and how to handle it.
“He would have had a sleepless night but when the next one comes along he’ll want to take it and put things right. He will put the next one away.”
Burke, who notched a stunning 53rd minute freekick in the draw on Tayside, was impressed by Killie new boy Conor McAleny as the on-loan Fleetwood striker netted on his debut.
And the ex-Scotland star, 35, insists McAleny’s arrival has made competition for places red hot among Steve Clarke’s hopefuls.
Burke said: “Conor did well, it was his first start and a fantastic goal.
“The finish was really mature and instinctive and he showed he’ll be a good addition for us.
“If he can chip in with goals it’s great, with Eamonn Brophy out and Kris Boyd suspended we needed someone.
“The manager brought in some new faces, Liam Millar came on and did very well while we all know what Youssouf Mulumbu brings to the team.
“Competition in the middle of the park is strong. The manager has a headache now because he’s got those options but I’m sure that’s what he wanted.”