Jig’s got the lads moving
Adam Fr izzel l credits former Kilmarnock No. 2 Lee McCulloch with getting the best out of him ahead of his big break as a 17-year-old.
And the teenager reckons McCulloch has pulled off a similar masterstroke for the entire Rugby Park squad now he’s No.1 in the dugout.
Frizzell, 19, was riddled with nerves making his firstteam debut in a 2- 0 win over Inverness 18 months ago but had McCulloch – then Gary Locke’s right-hand man – to help him through it.
Killie have won two and drawn one of their five games since McCul loch took interim charge following Lee Clark’s departure.
And Frizzell said: “As a young player the manager encourages me to express myself. I feel it has all clicked into gear since he took over.
“When I made my debut under Gary Locke it was Jig who talked me through it.
“I was extremely nervous but he told me I was good enough and just to go out and show it.
“He is someone I have looked up to ever since I was a kid. “
Frizzell hopes to line up against Rangers at home again on Wednesday after starting August’s 1-1 draw.
James Tavernier’s f ine free-kick cancelled out Kris Boyd’s opener although the night is best remembered for Greg Taylor’s red card for a wild lunge on ex-Rangers midfielder Joey Barton.
Frizzell said: “At home we have proved we can hold our own against the bigger teams and that will give us confidence heading into this week. We were also a bit unlucky against Celtic when we only lost 1- 0.
“Rangers are trying for second place and I’m expecting a tougher game this time. We are looking to get into the top six so have plenty to play for as well.
“People are still talking about K i lmarnock in terms of the relegation issue but we are certainly not thinking like that.”