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Scottish Premiership: Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston praises influential playmaker Alexei Eremenko

Allan Johnston: Kilmarnock boss praised his team after the win over Ross County
Image: Allan Johnston: Kilmarnock boss praised Alexei Eremenko following the 3-0 over Thistle

Kilmarnock boss Allan Johnston singled out Alexei Eremenko for praise following his excellent display in their 3-0 victory over Partick Thistle at Rugby Park.

The Finland international set up two of the goals, as Tope Obadeyi scored either side of Manuel Pascali finding the back of the net.

And Johnston believes Eremenko could be the difference between Killie finishing in the top half of the Scottish Premiership or languishing in the bottom six.

"He is that important. It's the hardest part of the game, to score goals and create chances, and he's got the vision to do that,” he said.

"It was a really good team performance from start to finish and there were a lot of good individual performances as well - none more so than from Alexei.

"Some of his passing was frightening. That's what he is capable of and that's why we brought him back.

"He cut them open a lot and created a lot of chances. I couldn't be more pleased. There were so many good performances."

The win saw Killie bounce back from their midweek League Cup exit against St Johnstone, and Johnston hopes they can produce another victory against Dundee United on Friday.

"It's good to see a response as well after the disappointment of midweek,” he added.

"We created loads of chances and it's another clean sheet. Now we have a massive game on Friday to look forward to."

Meanwhile, Partick boss Alan Archibald said poor finishing proved costly for his side.

Reflecting on the defeat, he said: "We had some good chances in the first half and didn't take them. They were more clinical than us and went up the park and scored at a good time.

"We hit the bar and they had some good saves but we've got to start taking our chances when we are on top. I thought a few of them felt sorry for themselves after a long night the other night in the cup."

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