Owens came through the youth ranks with Middlesbrough

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies hopes Graeme Owens will quickly challenge for a first-team place after handing the former Middlesbrough winger a contract.

The 21-year-old had trained with the Scottish Premier League club at the end of the season but was interesting several English Championship clubs.

"With the Under-21 ruling still in place, we needed someone who qualified for the bench," Jefferies told the BBC.

"But we also think he could break into the first team fairly quickly."

Owens, who had loan spells with Chesterfield and Blackpool, was out of contract with Middlesbrough, had little prospect of first-team football with the relegated club and opted for a two-year deal at Rugby Park.

Jefferies thought that he would be a good addition to his squad, the Englishman's ability to play comfortably on both flanks being another asset.

The Kilmarnock manager, who has no money to spend in the summer transfer market, had spaces to fill in his squad having been unable to match the wage demands of David Lilley and releasing experienced pair Allan Johnston and Grant Murray.

Jefferies will have re-signing talks with goalkeepers Cameron Bell and Damien Rascle when he returns from holiday.

Veteran midfielder Gary Locke has also yet to decide whether to accept a coaching role or continue his playing career at another club.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version