FORMER Scotland internationalist Pat Nevin handed Kilmarnock a perfect boost on the eve of the new season when he completed a #60,000 move from Tranmere.
The 32-year-old winger finally agreed personal terms last night and will sign a two-year contract with the Rugby Park club today, beating the European deadline to make him eligible to play in the Cup-winners' Cup qualifier against Irish side Shelbourne on August 14.
Nevin should be clear to make his Kilmarnock debut tomorrow against Aberdeen at Pittodrie if his registration goes through in time, and the ex-Chelsea and Everton man is relishing not just the return to his native country after 14 years but also the prospect of playing in the top flight here for the first time.
''It was always my intention to return to Scotland when I finished my career,'' said Nevin last night, ''but this move gives me the chance to fulfil my dream of playing in the premier division.
''I played in the lower divisions when I was with Clyde before I moved to England, but I'm delighted that I am going to get the chance to play at places like Parkhead and Ibrox on a regular basis now.''
Nevin was so eager to join Kilmarnock that he has taken a massive cut in salary in a bid to revive his career after a year in which he was cold-shouldered at Tranmere by manager John Aldridge.
''I am as fit as I have ever been,'' said Nevin, ''but I have just not been given a chance to do anything at Tranmere. That was the manager's decision but the time had come to look elsewhere, and I'm just glad Bobby Williamson has given me a chance to prove I have plenty left in me yet.
''Bobby sold the club really well to me. Kilmarnock have a fan- tastic set-up.''
''Obviously the fact that I could be playing in Europe is great, too. I missed out with Chelsea and Everton because of the ban on English clubs after Heysel.''
Nevin earned the last of his 26 Scotland caps in 1995, in a build-up game for Euro96, but failed to make Craig Brown's squad for the finals in England, bringing the curtain down on an international career which yielded five goals.
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