Jim Jefferies could not complete a January move for the 27-year-old before the transfer deadline but Russell promised then he would sign in the summer.

Jim Jefferies ......"It's a two-year deal with the option of a third year if he meets certain criteria in the second season."

"We still need another striker or maybe even two more as we need competition for places and some players may move on."

Weds Nov 5th 2008.... Allan Russell is close to being back in contention for a first-team spot, following a frustrating spell out of action with knee problems.

The 27-year-old has made just one appearance for Killie since his summer arrival from Airdrie Utd, but is set for a reserve team outing as he steps up his recovery. "I've worked hard to get to the SPL and I've certainly had to work hard over the past few months because of the injuries.

"I've had two weeks of full training and everything has been fine. I just want to kick-start my Kilmarnock career and I'm looking forward to playing for the reserves"

The Kilmarnock striker has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after suffering a cruciate ligament injury during training last Thursday.

Fri Feb 13th 2009....A THIRD knee injury for Allan Russell since his move to Killie from Airdrie in the summer.

Russell, who has notched three goals this season, will go under the knife next month and then begin his long rehabilitation.

 “I’m determined to come back even stronger from this, that’s the plan. I have surgery in about four weeks and then I’ll get straight into the rehab. I’m gutted by what’s happened but just like the previous injuries you take it on the chin and do what you have to do to come back stronger. Unfortunately I need to do that again, albeit I’ll be out for longer this time. I’ll have a lot more work to do with this rehab but I just need to approach it with the right attitude.

“It will be a long time without kicking a ball. Mentally it will be tough as I’m right out of the frame and won’t be involved daily in training. I’ve got a bit of a journey ahead now.  I’ll have highs and lows but I look forward to the day I run out onto the training park and then the pitch.”

“I don’t need anything else fixed, so it’s just a straightforward cruciate op. That’ll bring the timescale down a bit and it’s easier to come back from.”