McCann hopeful of new arrival before Killie opener

Neil McCann is hopeful of adding at least one new face before Kilmarnock's Premiership opener at St Johnstone on Sunday.

>In his first summer window as Killie boss, McCann has added five new permanent signings - plus midfielder Bailey Rice on loan from Rangers - after several players departed. Killie also agreed re-signed Aaron Tshibola after his World Cup adventure with DR Congo.

>While McCann insists he's happy with the squad, he's hopeful of at least two new arrivals before the window closes and one of those could be in the building before the weekend's trip to Perth.

>"I think we've done very good business," McCann told Sky Sports.

>"Hopefully we get one or two more in again to add to that number and then we'll be set for the season. The new guys will need a bedding in period but I'm hopeful the new signings and maybe one or two more can really give Kilmarnock a team to be proud of.

>"I'm very hopeful we might get one in before the weekend but if we don't I'm really pleased with what we've got."

>New players aren't the only big change happening in Ayrshire.

>Kilmarnock played their League Cup group stage games at Beechwood Park, home of Auchinleck Talbot, while their new grass pitch was being laid.

>McCann is impressed with the new surface and believes it will help his team's performances.

>"The pitch is sensational already," he added.

>"It's laid on top of what was the astroturf last year so it's completely flat. I'm told by the groundsmen that in the next week or so it's going to really thicken up and be a surface that will rival any in the country.

>"I think it's going to help us having the grass pitch. I think every top league should have the grass pitches and we're in a very fortunate position that this will be one of the best in the country, hopefully that can benefit how we want to play."