STEVE CLARKE hailed match-winner Jordan Jones as the winger again proved his worth to Kilmarnock by firing them to a 2-1 victory over Rangers.

Jones put pen-to-paper on a pre-contract deal with Steven Gerrard’s side earlier this month and attracted the ire of sections of the Rugby Park crowd.

But he silenced his critics in emphatic style with a direct run and clinical finish to take Killie up to second spot in the Premiership standings.

Jones rushed to the touchline to celebrate with boss Clarke and the 55-year-old was delighted with the performance over the Northern Irishman and his team-mates.

Clarke said: “I don’t know who writes the stars – Jordan showed he’s a big player for us.

“He got the move to Rangers that he wanted and he can be a big player for us in the second half of the season.

“It’s nice to see him get a goal as he goes on that run often and it doesn’t always end with a goal.

“Sometimes fans get excited when things like this happen. I know Jordan well and the qualities he has.

“He’s been great for the club for two and a half seasons and I look forward to him being great for this club until the end of the season.

“I think it was over and done with after the press conference before the Forfar game.

“There was no fuss at that game, he put in a good shift then and this is now a good result for us.

“Now it’s rest and recovery for a tough game at Aberdeen.

“This tells you he can handle big pressure and that’s a good thing for Jordan going forward.

“I didn’t know we’ve gone second – I’ll take your word for it. It’s all about game by game and we won’t get carried away.

“We just want to get as many points as we can and hope to match that performance again on Saturday because we put in a helluva shift.”