Kilmarnock striker Souleymane Coulibaly out to net 15 goals

Ivorian striker Souleymane Coulibaly believes he and Josh Magennis can transform Kilmarnock into a top-six Premiership side in the new season after making a spectacular impact on his debut.

Souleymane Coulibaly: Thinks partnership with Josh Magennis will transform Kilmarnock. Picture: SNS

The Tottenham Hotspur Academy graduate – once likened to Didier Drogba – treated the supporters to an acrobatic back-flip after scoring with a back-heel to set up a narrow win over Barry Ferguson’s side.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season with Peterborough United and Newport County, certainly looks a bright prospect for Lee Clark, who utilised another five of his 11 summer signings.

Coulibaly said: “I enjoyed playing with Josh Magennis, he did very well when he came on. Saturday was just the first game in our partnership. I think we can develop a partnership and it would be good for the team.

“I hope I can score 15 goals. Maybe if I score every week I might have to raise that though! I will do my best for this team. I know it will be difficult for us, but perhaps we can finish in the top six. It will be tough but we can do it.

“When the chance came to sign for Kilmarnock I said yes. Sometimes you just have to go to a place where you feel wanted. That was my main reason. And on Saturday you saw as well that the fans made me feel wanted.

“It was great to score with a back-heel. It was the only thing I could do because I was so close to the goal. But every goal you score is good. My celebrations were for the fans. I’m here because of them and I play for them. I will do a back-flip for them every time I score.”

It might have been a different outcome had Clyde not squandered a terrific chance to go ahead in 61 minutes when Will Boyle handled Dylan Easton’s shot and John Beaton booked the defender and awarded a penalty. Scott Linton’s effort from the spot was weak, however, and Jamie MacDonald saved it with ease.

Boyle made amends for that transgression when he powered a downward header past John Gibson for a second Kilmarnock goal, connecting with Jordan Jones’ corner.

Jamie Watson volleyed home a consolation for the League Two side.

Taking Killie’s scalp would have been pleasant but Ferguson said: “The league is our bread and butter. We need to move up this season.”