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Dayton signs Killie deal

Image: Paatelainen: Dayton deal

Kilmarnock have clinched the signing of former Crystal Palace winger James Dayton.

Former Palace winger moves to Rugby Park

Kilmarnock have clinched the signing of former Crystal Palace winger James Dayton. The 21-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with the club following a successful two week trial. Dayton was released by Palace last summer and failed to land a permanent deal, so spent much of the past year in training at the Glenn Hoddle Academy. He made two appearances for the Eagles during his time at Selhurst Park, as well as making a handful of appearances for Yeovil and Crawley Town on loan. Despite a lack of first team experience however, new Killie boss Mixu Paatelainen has opted to give Dayton an opportunity at the Scottish Premier League side. The left-sided player's arrival follows Tuesday's signing of goalkeeper Kyle Letheren, while the club are also expected to confirm a loan deal for Udinese's Mohamadou Sissoko, who can play in defence or midfield. Manager Mixu Paatelainen had already brought in midfielder David Silva and Chelsea left-back Ben Gordon and he is now looking for at least one striker to supplement his squad. "We have got plenty of strikers on trial and we will look at various options," said Paatelainen. "Once we find the right one, or right ones, then we will make a move. "It is very important we get a striker in, but if we don't we will work with the players we have and develop them."

Tough task

Kilmarnock have lost the likes of Scotland striker Kevin Kyle, Allan Russell, Gavin Skelton, David Fernandez and Simon Ford since surviving in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on the final day of last season. Paatelainen faces a tough task to keep Killie up this season but he has set about trying to improve the style of play. "Our target is to stay up, hopefully comfortably and before the last week of the season," said the Finn, who replaced Jimmy Calderwood. "It's a rebuilding process - eight or nine quality, experienced players have left and the budget has been cut. "But there are always players available and we will try to bring in good players."

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