LANDING ERWIN IS A GAME CHANGER, SAYS McCULLOCH

LEE McCULLOCH believes Kilmarnock have pulled off a major coup by clinching the signing of former Motherwell striker Lee Erwin. The 23-year-old has knocked back more lucrative offers from rival suitors to pen a two-year deal at Rugby Park. Erwin was in high demand after calling time on his stint with Leeds earlier this month and McCulloch is overjoyed he has managed to seal his signature. He said: ‘He was somebody we have had in our minds since the end of last season but we didn’t know what his situation was going to be at Leeds. ‘He did really well down there but got loaned out a couple of times. It’s a massive coup for us to get him signed. ‘He’s still young, Scottish and the fans will be able to relate to him. ‘He had loads and loads of interest in him but I’m just delighted he has picked Kilmarnock. He had offers of more money elsewhere but he knows he’ll get an opportunity here. ‘I like the way he goes about his business. He can score goals, lead the line, he has great technique and is pretty quick, so he ticks all the boxes for us.’ McCulloch now plans to pair Erwin with veteran striker Kris Boyd, although his place in the Killie squad for today’s final Betfred Cup group-stage clash with Dumbarton remains uncertain as the club waits on international clearance. But his new boss will hope Erwin can improve on the figures that saw him net 10 goals in 40 appearances while on loan at Sky Bet League One outfit Oldham last term. McCulloch, though, knocked back suggestions he may need to work hard to change the impression held of him following his part in the notorious Fir Park brawl that followed the 2015 Ladbrokes Premiership Play-off final. Erwin was part of a Motherwell side who staved off relegation by thrashing Rangers 6-1 over two legs. But he sparked a huge melee when he pushed Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni in the back after his offer of a full-time handshake had been snubbed, with the Tunisian swinging punches and kicks in return. ‘No, because he was brilliant in that game,’ said McCulloch, who was in the Light Blues line-up that day, when asked if that incident portrayed his new signing in a negative light.