Jim Jefferies sold Kilmarnock to Kevin Kyle by insisting the towering striker would force his way back into the Scotland set-up if he joined the club.

And Killie boss Jefferies is thrilled is words have rung true as Kyle was today called up by George Burley for next weekend's friendly in Wales.

Former Sunderland striker Kyle joined Killie in January after parting company with Coventry and has been a revelation for Jefferies' side, bagging 15 goals in just 21 games.

Kyle won the last of his nine caps in a 1-0 defeat to Denmark in April 2004 and Jefferies is delighted he will be given the chance to prove he can cut it on the international stage once again.

Jefferies said: "It's a big lift when you have someone representing their country.

"When I tried to convince him to come here, I told him if he did well and adapted to the Scottish game then he would be in the eye of the Scotland manager and have a chance of the Scotland squad again.

"It's happened to work out for him that way. It's good when you use that as a selling tool that it comes to fruition.

"It shows what I said to him meant something and it's been proved by him getting selected."

Injuries have prevented Kyle adding to his international cap tally earlier this season.

The 28-year-old was forced to withdraw for the squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Holland after undergoing surgery to clear up a knee injury.

Then, after being initially overlooked for the squad for the friendly in Japan, Burley turned to Kyle upon being hit by call-offs but once again injury meant the forward was unable to join up with the squad.

And Jefferies is keeping his fingers crossed Kyle comes through Kilmarnock's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Dundee United this weekend unscathed.

He said: "Hopefully, Kevin will make it and won't be as unlucky as last time when he had to pull out through injury.

"He'll be looking to get through the game on Saturday and, if he gets through it, it will be good that he's finally made it.

"I'm sure he'll be a good option for George.

"He was unfortunate when he had to pull out when he required some surgery on his knee, then he had a clash in training when he was called into the Japan squad late.

"We were a bit surprised he was left out of the original squad for the Japan game but that's George's selection.

"They did have call-offs and called him up but again he was injured after missing the game on the Saturday for us.

"Since then he's banged in a couple of goals, he's always been a threat and is deserving of his chance."

Jefferies hopes Kyle's Killie team-mates also receive a boost from his call-up.

He said: "It gives the other players a lift but it's up to them. George has shown if you're doing well, it doesn't matter what club you're with, you'll get a chance.

"That's the challenge to everyone at this club. We're just delighted Kevin is in and he's a handful for any defence, as other managers will tell you."