Bobby lands a slice of Kevin.

KILMARNOCK boss Bobby Williamson has handed his side a title boost and sealed the four- year deal that will keep defender Kevin McGowne at the club until 2003.

And last night the Killie chief insisted the security of his new contract should propel the 29-year-old star stopper into the Scotland team.

Williamson told Mailsport: "He may be an unsung hero but to me that tag only comes if you are ignoring his abilities.

"He has been maturing in the last couple of years and now I just don't see many better central defenders in the country.

"He is ready for Scotland recognition and I feel he deserves it."

McGowne, who nabbed the winner in Killie's 2-1 Ne-erday win over Motherwell, was a shrewd Alex Totten signing from St Johnstone in September 1996.

And has thrived under Williamson since his former mentor was axed at Rugby Park.

He is now at the hub of the meanest defence in the SPL. Killie have lost just 12 goals in 21 games.

And Williamson said: "At the same time last season we'd lost 32 goals and that shows a massive improvement.

"Kevin has been a big part of that and he knows how highly I rate him."

Williamson has masterminded a defensive overhaul in his two years in charge at the club.

His defensive training sessions are now paying off and Bobby is forthright about the reasons for the transformation.

He said: "I remember games when we set strikers against defenders and they'd end 6-5. We weren't defending properly but last week one finished 0-0 and I was quite happy!

"Gordon Marshall has also made a difference in goal. He organises and keeps the defence tight."