Clark hails Coulibaly for Killie comeback

KILMARNOCK boss Lee Clark lauded Souleymane Coulibaly as a “special talent” after the acrobatic Ivorian inspired a dramatic Betfred Cup comeback against Berwick Rangers.

Killie appeared destined to be on the end of a shock after goals from Jonny Fairbairn and Sean Mackie left them trailing the Wee Rangers – three divisions below them – 2-0 after 55 minutes.

However, the 21-yearold bagged a clinical double to level scores, thrilling fans with his trademark somersaults, before Rory McKenzie completed the turnaround.

Clark said: “Coulibaly is going to be an exciting player for the fans. He is a really special talent. He can score every type of goal and for a little guy he has a great leap.

“They are all a great bunch and superb to work with. I just need to find a way to get better performances out of them as they gel and we can eradicate the issues slowly.”

Indeed, the Rugby Park gaffer pulled no punches in his assessment of the overall display, admitting his charges must improve ahead of the upcoming Ladbrokes Premiership campaign.

Clark said: “I congratulate the players for the spirit but the performance was really below-par. We got out of jail and must improve.”

After seeing his side come so close to a famous scalp, Berwick boss John Coughlin was understandably proud of his side.

Couglin added: “There are plenty of positives, this is the first time we’ve been beaten at home in 2016 and, although it is a sore way to lose, we won’t face players like Coulibaly every week.”