Kyle was lauded by manager Jim Jefferies after Saturday's hat-trick

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies says there is growing support for in-form striker Kevin Kyle to be handed a Scotland recall.

Kyle, 27, scored his first hat-trick in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Falkirk.

"Darren Jackson was at the game and told me it was the best performance he had seen from a centre-forward this season," said Jefferies.

"Pat Nevin was on the radio saying Kevin was outstanding. World class was the term used and Scotland material."

Kyle inspired the Ayrshire side to an important win over the Bairns as they attempt to avoid relegation and he was lauded by Jefferies as the manager turned his thoughts to securing a third victory over Dundee United this season on Saturday.

"I don't pick the team, but if Kevin bangs in another few goals for us then I'm sure George Burley will come and have a look at him," he said.

What could inspire Kevin is what Chris Iwelumo did in the lower divisions in England Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies

"He gave Stephen McManus a tough time in the defeat against Celtic and Gordon Strachan admitted that after the game.

"So if they are saying that then it's something Kevin should look at.

"What could inspire him is what Chris Iwelumo did in the lower divisions in England.

"He came through and bagged a few goals and caught the eye, so it's there for Kevin."

Kyle was chosen for Scotland by Berti Vogts while with Sunderland, but his career has been blighted by injury.

And he has taken some time to settle with Killie since signing from Coventry in January.

"I think he might have thought it wasn't so difficult playing in the SPL," said Jefferies.

"But he has been unlucky after getting off to a good start against St Mirren on his debut.

"Scoring his first-ever hat-trick shows you that the team provide him with the ammunition.

"But he led the line all day, we fed off him and his overall performance for the three goals was excellent. He deserved his goals."

Jefferies believes that the win over his former club was crucial.

"They knew how important it was to beat Falkirk, they knew they could have been bottom of the league with a defeat, and they went out and did their talking on the pitch," he added.

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