English clubs eye loan deals at Kilmarnock

KILMARNOCK manager Kenny Shiels has told how Barclays Premier League clubs asked him to take some of their players on loan in a bid to boost their development.

He says Chelsea and Arsenal are among the top clubs in England who have been impressed by the work he is doing at the Ayrshire outfit.

Shiels signed Celtic youngster Lewis Toshney on loan ahead of the transfer deadline and has spoken about how he is keen to develop the teenager’s potential.

But, despite interest from south of the Border, the Rugby Park manager is reluctant to strike too many similar deals and risk Kilmarnock losing their identity as a club in their own right.

Shiels said: “There are clubs in England who have been in touch and asked me to develop their players, Premier League clubs, but they weren’t the right positions that we needed at that particular time. In December, I had meetings with clubs in England – big clubs – and they would like us to take on a couple of their players.

“I’m reluctant to because, if you bring in too many loan players, it takes away a dynamic of the team and the squad.

“So I’m reluctant to do it too often. I don’t want it to become just [a case of] ‘we’ll develop your players’. Kilmarnock are a club in our own right so we can’t fall into that trap.”

However, Shiels does find the interest from other clubs encouraging. He added: “Of course. Chelsea and Arsenal were very impressed with the work we are doing, just to mention two.

“There are other clubs as well who are impressed by us and see that we help players to improve and understand.”

Meanwhile, Gary Harkins will have a scan today after suffering a recurrence of an ankle injury.

The midfielder recently revealed he may have played with a broken ankle for four years. He was speaking as he made a surprise return to action, having been ruled out for six weeks. However, the player could now face a spell on the sidelines.