Canning alert to danger of hitman who was ‘among best’ he ever faced
Martin Canning knows exactly the problems his Hamilton defence will have in keeping Kilmarnock’s in-form striker Kris Boyd at bay today.
The34-year-oldhasreturned to his predatory best this season with 20 goals so far to underpin a resurgence which has taken the Ayrshire club from the bottom up to fifth place in the Ladbrokes Premiership since Steve Clarke took over in October.
Former defender Canning, 36, claims Boyd, capped 18 times by Scotland, is “up there” among the best he faced during a career which started at Ross County and ended at Accies with stops at Peterhead, Gretna and Hibernian in between and he knows how difficult it will be for his men to stop him at Rugby Park.
“Kilmarnock have been in great form since Steve Clarke has come in,” said Canning, pictured, whose side are in ninth place, eight points ahead of bottom side Ross County.
“They are a good side, well organised and work very hard and they have a threat at the top end of the pitch as obviously Kris Boyd has found his goalscoring form again, banging in goals pretty much every game he plays.
“I played against Kris a few times. He certainly knows where the goal is. He is 34, a bit younger than me and it is great to see him back enjoying his football and scoring goals but hopefully not tomorrow.
“I wouldn’t say he is the best player in every game he plays but he finds a way to put the ball in the back of the net and that is so important.”
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock manager Clarke is resigned to losing Youssouf Mulumbu this summer.
The Rugby Park boss has beenawarding fresh contracts this week, Rory Mckenzie following Greg Kiltie and Alan Power in renewing until 2020.
But the clock is ticking on former West Brom ace Mulumbu’s deal, his six-month agreement set to expire at the end of the campaign.
The DR Congo international has been a major hit since making the switch to Ayrshire after an injury-plagued stint at Norwich. But despite rediscovering his best form under Clarke, the Killie manager is not convinced that will be enough to stave off big-spending suitors from England.
“I wouldn’t say I was overconfident of keeping Youssouf,” said Clarke. “He came here to put himself back in the shop window and I think he’s done that with his performances. That’s been great for Youssouf and it’s been great for Kilmarnock.
“I imagine a bigger club will come in for Youssouf in the summer as he’s a free transfer. If that happens, we wish him well. If that doesn’t materialise and he wants to stay here, he knows all he has to do is chap my door.”