Pascali is my puss in boots

Aug 24 2008

KILMARNOCK boss Jim Jefferies laughed off claims Manuel Pascali is a tough nut and insists he's a PUSSYCAT compared to Pasquale Bruno.

Jeff brought notorious Italian hard man Bruno - nicknamed the Animal - to Hearts in 1995 and the former Juve ace soon fell foul of the SPL referees.

His countryman Pascali has been booked in his first two games but Jefferies jumped to his defence.

The Rugby Park gaffer said: "Both are physical but Pascali is a pussycat in comparison. Bruno always wanted to let his opponent knew he was there.

"Manuel wasn't getting away with a lot in Italy because of his physical presence. But he'll fit in to the SPL. He will never be pushed about."

Killie face Brechin City in the CIS Cup in midweek - a tough test for Jeff who in 2003 lost 1-0 in the same contest early in his Rugby Park reign.

He said: "The pitfalls are there if your attitude isn't right. We have to handle ourselves right and do our jobs."