Alex Dyer heaped praise on Greg Kiltie as he bagged a double to guide Kilmarnock to a 2-0 win over Hamilton Accies.
The 23-year-old struck either side of half-time to secure a win that moves Killie up to seventh in the Premiership table.
He also ensured any lingering irritation over Eamonn Brophy’s departure to St Mirren was put to bed.
Killie boss Dyer hailed Kiltie for triggering a dominant display.
He said no out-of-contract stars will be offered new terms until safety is secured but Kiltie must be high on the priority list.
Dyer said: “Kiltie was excellent – he set the tone, worked hard and scored two good goals. His all-round performance was brilliant and that triggered everyone else.
“Greg has been good all season for us. He’s a Killie boy, one of their own, and it is good to see.
“Eamonn has gone now and I wish him all the best. Hopeful we can push on and put that one to bed.”
Dyer’s men saw out a deserved win comfortably and the manager was content with his side’s prospects for the second half of the season.
He said: “We have a limited budget but, if there’s something I need, I know the board will find the pennies.
“At the moment I work with what I’ve got because what I have got is good enough.”
