Back in the bold routine

Kyle relishing reunion with old pal Doidge and reckons playing two up top can help save Killie

CALL him old-fashioned but Kyle Vassell believes a strike partnership with Christian Doidge presents a bright future for Kilmarnock.

Bucking the modern trend of deploying a single central frontman, Killie's pairing of Vassell and Doidge as the spearhead of a 4-4-2 formation is paying dividends.

It was perfectly illustrated three minutes into the second half of this crucial fixture as Vassell latched on to Doidge's cute flick to score his first league goal since joining in January.

The 30-year-old has savoured being reunited with Doidge, having played alongside him at Dagenham and Redbridge seven years ago.

Vassell said: "It's not often you see teams playing with two up front any more. I got asked when I first came here if I preferred playing in a two up front or on my own.

"I'm happy playing in a one or two up front but I like to play with someone who has a good football brain and understands what the position is about, someone who isn't selfish.

"Christian's exactly the type of player I'd always want to play alongside.

"It has been effective ever since I've been playing with him. It helps that we are really good mates as well.

"I understand him, I know what he wants. He knows what I want and we complement each other.