By John Barnes

Kevin Kyle has upset Kilmarnock manager Jimmy Calderwood

Kilmarnock manager Jimmy Calderwood is annoyed that striker Kevin Kyle had a trial with Spartak Nalchik after it appeared he would remain in Scotland.

The forward, who is out of contract in the summer, played in Russian club Spartak's 3-0 friendly victory against Zhemchuzhina Sochi in Turkey.

"My understanding is that we gave him permission to go on Tuesday," Calderwood told BBC Scotland.

"However, he gave me a phone on Tuesday and said he wasn't going."

Kyle's inclusion in the side to face Hibs on Saturday is now in doubt.

"The next thing I knew - from one of your colleagues (a journalist) - on Wednesday he was going and now he's on his way back", said Calderwood.

"The Russians made an offer and it was interesting for Kevin and it was interesting for the club.

"There was no problem from my side of it when he was supposed to be going on the Tuesday.

"The problem I had once I heard it was off on the Tuesday was the next day I hear it's on from someone else.

"I should have heard from Kevin or his agent."

Kyle, who has scored nine goals for Killie this season, flew out to Spartak Nalchik's winter training camp in Turkey to play in Tuesday's game.

Nalchik is 2,000 kilometres south of Moscow, close to war-torn Chechnya.

Kyle is due to arrive back in Scotland on Friday evening, but may not feature against Hibs and Calderwood intends to speak to the player upon his return.

The Scotland international could sign for Spartak as the Russian transfer window is open before the new season begins next weekend.

"To be fair he phoned me when he was in Turkey," said Calderwood. "But I've not spoken to him - I've not phoned him back. We'll just see how it went.

"My understanding is he played 60 or 70 minutes of the game in Turkey so we'll need to see how he is - but it will be doubtful if he'll play."

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