Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies is hoping Mehdi Taouil will be fit to return to the team for the weekend clash with St Johnstone.

Taouil has sat out Kilmarnock's last two matches, but is now back in training following a hamstring strain and a virus.

He will be given a chance to prove his fitness this week and Jefferies could then recall the Moroccan midfielder for Saturday's visit of St Johnstone.

Jefferies said: "Mehdi missed the Aberdeen game with a hamstring strain and sat out the Hibs clash with a virus.

"He needed the whole weekend to get over it.

"However, he was buzzing in training and will play in a bounce match this week."