KILMARNOCK manager Jim Jefferies is looking for a top-six finish this season - if Kevin Kyle can continue to bang in the goals.

The Rugby Park hitman bagged a brace to help his side run out 3-0 winners at home to Hamilton Accies at the weekend.

Jefferies is hoping the powerful frontman, who scored with a volley and a stunning long-range effort, can remain prolific throughout the course of the season for the Ayrshire club.

He believes it might just be enough to fire his team into contention for a top-half finish.

Jefferies said: "When we last got into the top half we had somebody who scored 19 goals, and with Kevin we may have a chance of doing that."

However encouraging their opening-day performance was, Jefferies has warned his players to keep their feet on the ground.

"It was a fantastic performance but I can't get carried away," said the Killie boss.

"It's day one of a long season. We'll have to keep working hard on the training ground and in future games."

Accies, who were missing several important players, were all but out of the game when Jamie Hammill netted the third.

Manager Billy Reid said: "The biggest problem was the way we lost two poor goals."

St Mirren boss Gus MacPherson believes his side were extremely unfortunate to leave Easter Road with nothing to show for their efforts, despite facing Hibs with 10-men for 75 minutes.

Steven Thomson was harshly sent-off by referee Alan Muir for a challenge of Patrick Cregg, but despite that the visitors took the lead through Stephen McGinn.

Hibs levelled through David Wotherspoon before Abdessalam Benjelloun headed home the winner.

MacPherson said: "I'm not talking about the referee, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. For long spells we played well despite be a man less."