Jefferies was impressed by his side's opening match

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies was delighted to start the new season with three points against Hibs.

"It's important to get off to a winning start," he told BBC Sport after Jamie Hamill's solitary goal at Rugby Park.

"I thought it was a cracking game, both teams were going hammer and tongs at each other.

"We got the goal through a great strike from Jamie Hamill but it could have been 2-2 or 3-3 and people would have been raving about the game."

Manuel Pascali brought some much-needed steel to the Kilmarnock midfield and Jefferies was full of praise for the Italian, newly signed from Parma.

"He's a couple of weeks behind in terms of fitness and I was going to take him off with 20 minutes to go," added Jefferies.

"But we lost two central defender, which is unbelievable.

"He was pumped up for his debut and maybe a bit rash for his booking but he will get better and better."

Danny Sammon was also making his first appearance in the SPL and the young Irishman found the going tough.

"The lad has got great pace and strength and chases and works hard for team," said Jefferies.

"He's only turned 21 so he's got a lot to learn but he will be a handful for other teams."