Playmaker Alexei Eremenko re-signs for Kilmarnock

The fans' favourite has agreed a one-year deal. Picture: SNS

The 31-year-old Finland international, who has signed a one-year contract, was a major hit when he spent the 2010-11 season on loan at Rugby Park and helped the club avoid the drop last season following his arrival in January.

Manager Allan Johnston said: “We’re absolutely delighted. 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.”

Kilmarnock, who open their Premiership season at Dundee tomorrow, have installed an artificial pitch 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, hungry to do well, and have good energy and good pace. With him supplying the passes for them, I’m sure it should be a good combination.”