Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke has expressed his delight after adding former Partick Thistle defender Conrad Balatoni to his squad.
24-year-old Balatoni has signed a short-term deal at Rugby Park until January, and sat on the bench for Saturday's crucial victory over Dundee United at Tannadice.
Balatoni has been training with various clubs over the summer, and had a trial with English League One side Bradford City, but Killie boss Gary Locke swooped in to secure the Englishman's services after picking up injuries to some of his key defenders.
"With the injury to Mark Connolly and with Lee McCulloch out as well, we certainly didn't plan to go into the market but we are short at the back.
"We had looked at a number of centre backs but the lads that we looked at were outwith our price bracket and you have to be realistic.
"Conrad's got a great pedigree and he has been captain of Partick Thistle for the last two or three seasons.
"We had a good look at him and he's starting to look a lot fitter now as he hadn't done a real pre-season, but he will bring a lot of quality to the team.
"He is 24 and has a lot of experience, so hopefully he can come in and bring a bit of assurance to us at the back."
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