Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell addressed the media on Thursday morning as he looked ahead to Saturday’s Scottish Premiership visit by St Mirren.

Here are the key points:

• Forward Marley Watkins will “miss several weeks” with a heel injury that has been scanned but is still being assessed. The 34-year-old Welshman landed awkwardly when trying to extend Kilmarnock’s lead near the end of last weekend’s win over Dundee United.
• No update on a new contract for midfielder David Watson, who has been called up to the Scotland Under-21 squad. Kettlewell says he has been working on that since he arrived at the club in May but “we need the buy-in from the player, the agent, the family and the football club” and he remains “hopeful”.
• First international call-ups for defender George Stanger and forward Djenairo Daniels, for New Zealand and Suriname respectively, is “brilliant news” and a reward for their consistency.
• Apart from Watkins, Kettlewell’s squad is “as you were” for Saturday’s game, with midfielder Scott Tiffoney continuing his recovery from long-term injury.
• St Mirren are just “the next opponent” despite last month’s Premier Sports Cup defeat on penalties by the Paisley team and he expects another game of “fine margins” against “a strong side who are consistent”.
• Victory over Dundee United last weekend was “was very good – start to finish” and Kettlewell’s side “looked strong, resolute” away from home against an in-form team.
• He wants consistency but points out Killie have played as well in spells this season without the results they deserve. They have “a really good togetherness” and similar performances will also generate more such results.
• Kettlewell praised striker Bruce Anderson and midfielder Greg Kiltie for their performances in returning to the side, saying it was reward for their attitude in training despite not starting – and others were doing likewise.
• He does not view Anderson as merely a substitute or impact player as he had tried to sign the player before both arrived at Kilmarnock, including on loan while the striker was with Aberdeen.