Kenny Shiels signs Czech as he continues to look abroad

The 30-year-old has signed a two-year contract and joined his new team-mates at training yesterday after leaving Luton.

Kroca is Kilmarnock's fifth summer signing, and Shiels is confident of adding another continental player to his squad in the next 24 hours.

The big defender has been brought in following the departures of Frazer Wright to St Johnstone and Mohamed Sissoko, who has been priced out of a permanent move to Rugby Park with Udinese looking for 600,000 for the defender following his impressive season on loan.

Shiels said: "There has been a big hole left with the loss of Wright and Sissoko and I have been after this player for three months. He scored against us in pre-season last year and looked the part. I put him in my book and said he would be one we go after if he became available. He has stature, he can pass the ball well - which will suit our style - and he comes and wins the ball from an aerial perspective."

Kroca, who has spent the bulk of his career at Tescoma Zlin, said: "This is the Premier, the highest level, so that tells you everything."

Shiels is continuing to look for new players with one set to be unveiled today. He has already signed midfielder Gary Harkins from Dundee, former Crewe defender Patrick Ada, midfielder Danny Racchi from York and striker Paul Heffernan from Sheffield Wednesday.

"Hopefully we will have one in the next 24 hours, I have been after him for more than three months," said Shiels. "He is a European player I have been to visit and watch. He has been over here and he likes it so hopefully that will go through."