Kilmarnock close in on striker Conor Sammon

Jul 27 2008 By Mark Walker

JIM JEFFERIES last night lifted the gloom around Rugby Park and revealed he's set to beat Hamilton for the signature of striker Conor Sammon.

The Derry City ace was refused permission to play in yesterday's thumping defeat against Wolves.

But Jefferies is hopeful he can tie up a deal for the hitman this week.

He said: "We've agreed terms with Derry and the boy wants to come here. Derry accepted a bid from another SPL club last night and refused him permission to play - so we had to keep him on the bench.

"But we were waiting for a call and I had my phone in the dug-out in case it went through."

Jefferies was impressed by Italian trialist Manuel Pascali and said: "He's a bit behind with his fitness so I said I would give him 25 minutes and he looked good. He's a Parma player so if the deal did go through it would be a loan."

Jefferies wasn't so happy with his defence and added: "Wolves are a good side but we gifted them three soft goals."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy tipped Chris Iwelumo for a Scotland cap after he tore Killie apart.

He said: "There are not many who have scored more than him in the Championship. He leads the line well and holds the ball up."