Thursday 7 August 2014 17:25, UK
Kilmarnock have signed Finland international midfielder Alexei Eremenko for a third time.
The 31-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Rugby Park after ending uncertainty over his future by flying to Scotland this week.
Eremenko was a major hit when he spent the 2010-11 season on loan with Killie and he then helped them avoid the drop after playing 13 games last season following his arrival in January.
Manager Allan Johnston said: "We're absolutely delighted. We spoke to him early in pre-season to try and get him over and get something sorted so it's good it's finally done.
"Somebody with his quality, especially on this pitch, I think will be a massive factor in how well we do this season.
"You saw the last couple of games of last season, the performances he put in. He maybe wasn't fully fit at first but he worked really hard to get himself in great condition."
Eremenko has been training with former club FF Jaro in Finland, where his father is the manager.
Johnston said: "He has not played any games yet but he looks in decent condition. The sooner we get him match-fit and playing games, the better."
Killie, who open their Scottish Premiership season at Dundee on Saturday, have installed an artificial pitch during the summer and Johnston feels Eremenko's passing game will thrive on the surface.
"I'm sure it will really suit him," he said. "We've brought in players who are young and hungry and to do well, and have good energy and good pace about the team.
"With him supplying the passes for them, I'm sure it should be a good combination."
