Waters delighted to see Shaw form recognised

KILMARNOCK left-back Calum Waters admits he is thrilled for Oli Shaw after the striker’s form in front of goal earned the him the Championship player of the month award for October.

The former Hibs attacker scored six goals in five games during that period, with four of those coming in three successive wins at the end of the month as Killie climbed to the Championship summit.

Tommy Wright’s side will look to cement their place at the top when they host Partick Thistle today and Waters hopes Shaw, who joined from Ross County during the summer, continues his ruthless streak in front of goal.

Waters said: “I’m really happy for him, his all round play has been great and he’s adding goals to that, he is flying.

“I think that helps the boys at the back as well knowing that if we do our job we’re going to score because we’ve got guys like that up front.

“Oli is absolutely brilliant. I’ve played against him a few times, whether at 20s level or against Ross County. You knew his quality but you don’t see it day-in, day-out. Now I’m seeing it in training every day.”

On a personal level, Waters is thrilled to have played every minute of the last three games as Killie racked up victories over Hamilton Accies, Ayr United and Queen of the South.

Just three weeks ago, Waters did not even manage the bench for the draw at Dunfermline. He added: “I am happy to get back in the team and get three wins on the bounce, which is good.

“Not being stripped is frustrating but you know yourself it’s just because we have such a good squad and that’s a good thing.”

Killie are two points clear of Inverness at the top and boss Wright admits he needs to try and rein in his team’s confidence so they do not become complacent.

He said: “We have confidence and belief, my job is to make sure a lid is kept on that.”