The
former Motherwell midfielder was taken off at
half-time after suffering a thigh injury in the 3-0
beating of Elgin City. Lasley was a first-half
stand-out for Kilmarnock, but may miss out on the
chance to impress Jefferies further in today’s
Ennstone Cup final at Borough Briggs.
Fellow trialists Andrew Barrowman, (right) a striker from Birmingham City and Trent McLenahan, formerly of West Ham, also worked hard to impress.
Jefferies said: “I thought Trent came on and did reasonably well after Peter Leven’s early injury.
“I’ve said to him I’ll judge him after this weekend. Barrowman is up from Birmingham and scored but also missed a couple – though one was a great save.
“I’ve told him and Keith Lasley they will know by next week but Keith’s chances of playing tomorrow rest on how bad his injury is. We won’t risk him unnecessarily.”
In yesterday’s baking heat Kilmarnock proved too hot for battlers Elgin City. Only poor finishing prevented a bigger win as Jefferies’ boys dominated .
Paul Di Giacomo struck an early double while Barrowman stepped up his claim for a Killie contract with a goal seconds after his substitution.
It was gruelling stuff, particularly for Elgin in their all-black strips, with temperatures into the 90s.
Ex-Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley swept a marvellous pass through the middle after eight minutes. As Stephen Naismith strode through on goal, Elgin goalkeeper Keiron Renton was quickly off his line to beat the SPL player of the year to it.
A
hamstring for Peter Leven caused concern for
Jefferies, with Aussie trialist Trent McLenahan on
after only nine minutes.
Three minutes later, Killie went ahead. A throw-in from the right bounced to Paul Di Giacomo at the edge of the box and his stunning left foot volley flew high into the net.
Di Giacomo grabbed a less spectacular second on 15 minutes when Stephen Murray tore into the box and forced Renton to parry. It was a simple finish for Di Giacomo from a few yards out.
Elgin’s first chance came after 39 minutes when an Adam Nelson corner broke to Martin Johnston, but his low shot was cleared off the line by substitute McLenahan.
Jefferies made three changes at the break, including the replacement of Naismith by former Rangers and Birmingham City striker Andrew Barrowman. He immediately made his mark, volleying a Gary Locke cross in for 3-0 with his first touch.
Kilmarnock’s dominance continued to the end,
though Elgin worked tirelessly .
Kilmarnock: Smith, Greer, Leven,
Locke, Wright, Invincible, Lasley, Di Giacomo,
Naismith, S. Murray. Subs: Fowler, Nish, Dodds,
McClemahan, G. Murray, Barrowman, Logan.
Sunday's July 16th, Ross Co Pic's are HERE
