Kilmarnock have received a fitness boost with the return of Craig Bryson from a groin injury for the visit of Aberdeen in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The midfielder played in a closed-door game in midweek where he was joined by Allan Russell, Jamie Adams and James Fowler, all of whom are back from long-term injuries although none are expected to start against the Dons.

Midfielder Manuel Pascali is banned again after being sent off in the reserves last season, with his dismissal against Rangers a fortnight ago taking him over the points threshold.

Aberdeen face a defensive headache.

Summer signing Jerel Ifil has joined Zander Diamond (foot) and Davide Grassi (cheekbone) on the sidelines, although his hamstring injury is not expected to keep him out beyond the international break.

Winger Sone Aluko remains with the Nigeria squad at the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Teams

Kilmarnock (from): M Brown, O'Leary, Hay, Wright, Old, Hamill, Bryson, Skelton, Taouil, Invincibile, Sammon, Kyle, Bell, Russell, Fowler, Flannigan, Owens, Adams, Kelly, Fernandez.

Aberdeen (from): Langfield, Crawford, Maguire, Considine, Mulgrew, Foster, Kerr, McDonald, Miller, Mackie, Paton, Nelson, Young, Pawlett, Fyvie, Hansson, Duff, Holm.