Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies has revealed his surprise at Kevin Kyle's omission from George Burley's Scotland squad for the forthcoming friendly against Japan.

The Rugby Park captain was called up for the first time in five years for the recent World Cup qualifying double-header against Macedonia and Holland then frustratingly had to withdraw due to a knee injury which required minor surgery.

Kyle's name, however, was missing from Burley's squad when it was announced at Hampden ahead of the game in Yokohama on Saturday week.

"I'm surprised and I think Kevin is a bit surprised because he was in the last squad and only had to pull out for knee surgery," Jefferies said.

"I don't pick the team but we thought he might have a decent chance.

"But he just has to keep banging away and scoring the goals.

"That's how he was noticed the last time and if he keeps doing that then maybe he will have a chance by the time the next game comes around.

"They could come back for him if there are call-offs, I don't know if he is on any reserve list but it won't affect him, he will take it in his stride.

"He saw getting in to the Scotland squad as a bonus so it won't affect him.

"It will make him more determined to prove that he could still do it."

Jefferies is hoping Kyle will show Burley what he is missing when Aberdeen visit Rugby Park on Saturday.

Killie have not won since in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League since the opening-day victory over Hamilton although their last two SPL games against Rangers and Falkirk have ended in goalless draws.

Jefferies said: "We set up to win the game against Falkirk last week and we had the chances but their goalkeeper and a wee bit of bad luck stopped us scoring.

"In fact, in the last three games there have been three incidents when the ball has come off the inside off the post and didn't fall for us.

"Normally when the ball hits the inside the post it goes in so it's not happening for us.

"But we have players who can take the chances apart from Kevin, so we have to keep working away and I'm sure it will come."