Football: KILLIE'S DEFENCE STILL A MYSTERY

KILMARNOCK'S central defensive strategy remains a mystery as the SPL season looms ever closer.

Oumar Bakari was given a second chance in this error-strewn draw with Derby, following his impressive 45 minutes against Leicester in mid-week.

Frederic Patouillard flew in from Paris five hours before the game, after being recommended by former Hearts keeper Gilles Rousset.

Their French compatriot Eric Joly made his debut in midfield after finally being cleared by the French FA, and Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies was delighted with his performance as he slotted in to the play-maker role.

Jefferies said: "He's still a bit behind the rest in terms of his fitness, but you could see his quality in his positional play and his movement."

It was Bakari who stole the show, however, and any doubts Jefferies may have had following his first run out must now be gone.

But who will fill the pivotal central defensive roles in next week's season's opener at Easter Road is still anyone's guess.

First choice centre half Freddy Dindeleux was rested for this match, and stand in David Lilley had to go off with a neck injury, while Gordon Greer is still two weeks away from contention.

Jefferies has arranged a closed doors game for Tuesday in an attempt to find a blend to start the season proper.

Jefferies was quietly pleased with the scrappy 0-0 work-out. He added: "We should really be celebrating the fact that we never lost a goal.

"Bakari played well, we weren't sure he knew how to play the position, but he did a lot better today."

Joly first gave a glimpse of his potential in the 16th minute as he released Gary MacDonald who played a perfect ball behind the Derby defence, but Jamie Vincent slid in to block Danny Invincible's effort.

Kilmarnock produced the best move of the match in the 68th minute. Invincible combined with James Fowler on the right touchline, and he delivered a dangerous cross which was met' by Kris Boyd on the volley, but Pablo Mills dived bravely in to block his goal-bound effort.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Oumar Bakari.

Copyright 2004 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.