Williamson warns players: Keep off booze!

Kilmarnock manager Bobby Williamson has told his players they must lay off the booze and the birds if they are to qualify for Europe.

The Killie supremo was delighted to tie up youngsters Chris Innes, 24, and Paul de Giacomo, 18, on long-term deals earlier in the week.

And he revealed they had received the same advice that he gives to all his players - to avoid the pitfalls of being a professional footballer.

He said: "Drink, women - they are all out there. That's what I preach to the experienced players as well."

Centre-half Innes has established himself as a regular in the Killie back line, although it took him three years to do it.

Williamson said: "He's had a good season and we are delighted he's re-signed. We would have been disappointed if he had left.

"De Giacomo is potential. He has got a future in the game if he does the right things and we have given him the stage to do that.

"He looks as though he's going to be a strong lad and he's good pace and two good feet. Hopefully he can avoid the pitfalls as well."

Kilmarnock travel to Dundee on Saturday looking for a result that will push them nearer to clinching the final Uefa Cup spot.

They are three points ahead of Hearts, their only rivals for it, with the Edinburgh club at home to Rangers at the same time.

Midfielder Alan Mahood is suspended and goallkeeper Gordon Marshall is prevented from taking his place on the bench by a toe injury.

Williamson also revealed that French striker Christophe Cocard had been sacked as penalty taker after missing a spot-kick against Hearts.

Killie were held to a 1-1 draw, mainly thanks to the brilliance of Antti Niemi in the visitors' goal, but the Frenchman's blast against a post did not help either.

Williamson said: "We should have won that game. You only get one chance and he's had his so someone else will get an opportunity.

"You don't let players carry on taking them until they score. We need someone who will put them in the net. McCoist missed one earlier on and he didn't get a second chance."

Killie shared a 2-2 draw with Dundee just before the league split and Williamson predicted another entertaining encounter.

He said: "Both sides like to pass the ball and play good football so it should be a good game.

"Hopefully we can get the breaks and go the one step further than we did before."

Dundee fans are set for an emotional day as striker Claudio Caniggia prepares for possibly his last home game in a Dark Blues' shirt.

Javier Artero and Juan Sara are both back to full fitness.