Kilmarnock: Alexei Eremenko signs new one-year deal

Kilmarnock have secured a deal with Alexei Eremenko which will see the Finnish international stay at Rugby Park for another season.

The 31-year-old had returned to Ayrshire in January on a short-term deal, making 13 appearances.

He originally joined the club on loan for the 2010-11 season and was nominated for the PFA Scotland player of the year award.

Killie have also signed former Hibernian youth player Euan Smith.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who had loan spell at Arbroath last year, has signed a three-year deal.

"We're absolutely delighted," said manager Allan Johnston of Eremenko's new contract.

"We spoke to him early in pre-season to try and get him over and get something sorted so it's good it's finally done.

"Somebody with his quality, especially on this pitch, I think will be a massive factor in how well we do this season.

"You saw the last couple of games of last season, the performances he put in. He maybe wasn't fully fit at first but he worked really hard to get himself in great condition.

"He has not played any games yet but he looks in decent condition. The sooner we get him match-fit and playing games, the better.

"We've brought in players who are young and hungry to do well, and have good energy and good pace about the team.

"With him supplying the passes for them, I'm sure it should be a good combination."

The playmaker becomes manager Allan Johnston's seventh summer capture, joining Josh Magennis, Lee Miller, Paul Cairney, Tope Obadeyi, Mark Connelly and Jamie Hamill on the list of new signings ahead of the new season. The Rugby Park outfit also snapped up former Hibernian youth player Euan Smith on a three-year deal.

Eremenko has previously earned 59 caps for Finland scoring 14 goals, and has had spells at HJK Helsinki, Lecce, FC Saturn, Metalist Kharkiv, Rubin Kazan and Kairat Almaty.