Kilmarnock snap up McCarrison

yesterday, and will go straight into the team to face St Mirren in the

promotion clash at Rugby Park.

The 23-year-old -- a product of Celtic Boys' Club and one of many not

to have made it in the first team -- still has been averaging 25 goals

each season. So far this term, he has scored 18 in 20 appearances -- and

that is just what Killie manager Tommy Burns needs to revive what has

been a flagging promotion run in recent weeks, with only one goal scored

in five games.

With Celtic also struggling on the field, maybe McCarrison will be

glad he has not been a part of it. But Burns knows the man's worth. ''I

saw him when I was with Celtic, and I know what he can do. I expect to

play him alongside Bobby Williamson and George McCluskey, which means

that, unfortunately, Ian Porteous has to step down. But by no means is

he out of the picture.

Celtic manager Liam Brady, who turned down an offer from Morton for

the player a few months ago, said that he wished the player, who was on

a month-to-month contract, every success. ''It is in our best interests,

and the player's, that he tries elsewhere.''

Saints manager Jimmy Bone is entirely happy with his team's recent

performances. ''There is a good team spirit about the place..''

Bone has been considerably encouraged by his young squad. ''They were

not playing all that well, but still getting results. Now they have more

experience, and we fear no-one.''

Today, however, he will miss experienced midfielder John Hewitt, who

has gone into hospital for a cartilage operation, although it is not

certain that Stevie Farrell, who replaced him last week, will start.

Leaders Raith Rovers have a Fife derby at Cowdenbeath, and although

regular keeper Tom Carson is fit again, Gordon Arthur keeps his place.

Raith manager Jimmy Nicholl is not fooled by the fact that Cowden yet

have to win a league game at Central Park. ''We'll be on our toes,'' he

said.

And on a lighter note, deputy Martin Harvey and other staff forced

Nicholl to face four mouth-watering pastries and cakes in the middle of

a 12-hour fast in aid of Somalia. ''Whatever I would have spent on food

between 7am and 7pm, I put into an envelope and send it off. These

so-and-so's were trying me on.''

Morton and Hamilton Accies are still in there fighting for promotion,

and with several top clashes coming up in the next few weeks, the fact

that they meet at Cappielow could have a bearing on the remainder of

their season.

The Greenock side have Steve McCahill suspended, but have Alex Mathie

and Jim Tolmie available after injury. Billy Reid is doubtful for

Accies, but Kenny Ward, Sean McEntegart, and Gary Clarke are back in the

pool.

Dunfermline, in second place, entertain Meadowbank with a full squad

from which to choose. Manager Jocky Scott is looking for a much better

display after last week's home draw against Dumbarton.

Ayr United welcome back Tommy Walker, Bobby Russell, and Gordon Mair

for the visit to Dumbarton, where Ally Graham's replacement, Stevie

Bryce will make his debut.

Clydebank have striker Ken Eadie back for the visit of Stirling Albion

but John Henry is doubtful, and defender Sean Sweeney is out injured.