Naisy happy to show Oli way to goal
FULL-BACK Jason Naismith reckons he can give Killie new boy Oli Shaw a run for his money in the scoring stakes.
The 27-year-old netted his third goal of the season as victory over Falkirk put the Ayrshire side on course for a third-round meeting with Queen’s Park.
Fraser Murray netted a double while Aidan Nesbitt had given the Bairns some hope in the opening stages when he had levelled.
It eclipses Naismith’s previous season’s best of two goals, which has given him dressing-room bragging rights at Rugby Park.
But he’s backed Shaw to find his feet after signing a two-year deal with Killie.
Shaw was denied a debut strike by keeper Paddy Martin but Naismith insists the goals will come.
He said: “If it wasn’t for the keeper’s save in the first half, he would have scored.
“How the boy has saved it, I have no idea. Oli was brilliant and I’m sure the goals will come. He showed against Falkirk he’ll bring
KILLIE .......... FALKIRK .....
plenty of energy. He was running behind, holding up the ball well.
“If he can add some goals and keep doing the rest, he will be loved here. It was a really encouraging debut.
“He is a great finisher. I played with him at Hibs and Ross County. Even back at Easter Road he probably needed a run of games to prove himself.
“It’s probably the same now but I have no doubts he can be a top striker at this level.”
Until then, Naismith is more than happy to play the goal hero.
He said: “It’s now my best goalscoring season, so I’m delighted. The gaffer has encouraged me to get forward and we have a laugh about it – but it’s pleasing to help the team.
“I was winding all the other boys up, saying me and Fraser are now in competition to score the most goals.”