Coyle: I'll keep grip on Scots.

Byline: Chris Roberts 

OWEN COYLE is refusing to release his Scotland stars early ahead of their crunch World Cup clash in Norway next week.

The Burnley boss said the international trio of Steven Fletcher, Steven Caldwell and Graham Alexander had come through their friendly defeat at Kilmarnock unscathed.

But with his side due to wrap up their tour against his former club St Johnstone on Saturday, he hinted the players could play at McDiarmid Park.

Coyle said: "I will speak to George Burley. I want to help out the national team and I'm delighted a few of my players are representing their country.

"George is very respectful with my season about to start and I'm trying to get my club in order for that. The date of this fixture is not ideal."

Killie boss Jim Jefferies had mixed feelings after his side secured their first win of the summer against the Premiership new boys, who are also due to start their top-flight campaign next weekend.

Jefferies revealed Danny Invincibile had been drafted into the Australia squad, who are already assured of their place in South Africa next year, for next week's friendly against Republic of Ireland.

Jefferies said: "I think he's been on standby a record number of times but I'm delighted he's been called up.

"Danny came off with a hamstring strain but he'll be okay for next week."

The same cannot be said for midfielder James Fowler who will be forced to have a double hernia op next week.

Jefferies said: "It's a blow for us but that's the only thing we can do."

The fact last night's winner was a comic own-goal from Clarke Carlisle didn't bother the Killie boss in the slightest.

Coyle named five Scots in his starting line-up - Alexander, Caldwell, Fletcher, Steven Thompson and Kevin McDonald - but kept former Hamilton full-back Brian Easton on the bench.

Shadows Killie new boys Steven Old and Mark Burchill both played from the start but were chasing shadows as Burnley controlled the opening exchanges.

However, Killie fought back and Jamie Hamill, Invincibile and Garry Hay all came close to netting.

Killie had crashed to Partick Thistle and Swansea and been held by Raith this summer so the home faithful were in party mode just after the hour - although they won't see a freakier goal all season.

Half-time sub Ryan O'Leary belted a hopeful ball up the pitch and when Burnley defender Carlisle didn't see his keeper come off his line he nodded the ball past him and into the empty net.

CAPTION(S):

CHASE ON: Killie's Bryson goes after McDonald