Derek McInnes will utilise Killie squad against St Johnstone after European test

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes knows it is important to utilise his squad against St Johnstone on Sunday as they navigate their European duties.

Killie drew 2-2 with Norwegian side Tromso on Thursday and have a trip to the world’s northernmost professional football club next week.

McInnes only had two fit experienced defenders for last weekend’s 4-0 defeat by Celtic, which followed a trip to Belgium.

He has more options this weekend but is keen not to over-burden players at this stage of the season.

“Big (Craig) Levein (St Johnstone manager) will be rubbing his hands,” the Killie boss said. “It’s natural, I’ve done it myself when we have played teams after they have played in Europe.

“But we’ve been at home, so it’s not as arduous as obviously last week when we had an away trip, half three bed and then an away trip at Celtic Park.

“Now it’s a home game, we will recover, the boys don’t have to travel too far.

“We’ll see where everybody’s at and try to utilise the squad. It’s impossible for the same 11 to keep going out and doing what we need to do at this stage of the season. It’s difficult enough when you are up to speed.

“But I’ve got a squad there. It’s important to try and utilise it. The only place that I’m not overly blessed is defence, but everywhere else I have got options and we’ll see how everybody sits for Sunday.

“But it’s the first home game of the season in the league and it’s important that we are good enough to get the job done.”

Marley Watkins could return from the injury that has kept him out for most of the opening matches, while Corrie Ndaba and Kyle Magennis are working up to full fitness.

On striker Watkins, McInnes said: “He’s got a chance for Sunday, he will certainly be fit for next Thursday. We don’t put him overly at risk, it’s important he recovers from the groin niggle he has got.”