Heffernan: Joining Killie is not step backwards for me

Paul Heffernan insists his switch to the SPL will not be a backwards step in his career after signing for Kilmarnock.

The 29-year-old striker secured his release from Sheffield Wednesday to pen a three-year-deal with the Ayrshire outfit.

Heffernan became the first signing of the Kenny Shiels regime after the former number two was confirmed as Killie manager on a permanent basis yesterday following a spell as caretaker boss at the end of last season.

The forward said: "I definitely don't see it as a step down.

"It's a new challenge, not a step back. I'm here to try to further my career by coming up here and hopefully doing well.

"Hopefully the fans will see plenty of goals. As a striker you are always judged on goals so if I can get my share of goals I will be more than happy and I'm sure the fans will be as well.

"I spoke to a former player who I used to play with, Gordon Greer, who was at the club a few years ago. He had some very nice things to say about the club."

Shiels is also keen to recruit Dundee's Gary Harkins as he looks to rebuild following his appointment.